Sammie’s Buddy Bench: A Bench with a Purpose

Students in Mr. Finn’s and Mr. Hilpert’s adapted technology education classes took on a special project that not only helped the environment but also brought a buddy bench to Moon Area Middle School. This initiative was made possible thanks to High School Nurse Beth Rose, who connected the school with Nicole Ruckert, Human Resources Manager at Niagara Bottling in Imperial, PA. Their support helped bring the opportunity to our students and make this project a reality.

The buddy bench was part of Sammie’s Buddy Bench Project, a nationwide campaign started by Sammie Vance, a young girl from Indiana who wanted to promote friendship and inclusion in schools. The project encourages communities to collect and recycle plastic bottle caps and lids, which are then transformed into durable benches that serve as a welcoming space for students to sit and connect with others.

As part of their contribution, students at Moon Area Middle School collected, loaded, and delivered #2 plastics to Gateway Recycling in Coraopolis. Their dedication paid off—1,272 plastic items were gathered, totaling 86 pounds of recycled material. Thanks to their efforts, a brand-new buddy bench arrived in February. The adapted technology education classes assembled it, and it will soon be placed in a prominent location on campus, serving as a lasting symbol of friendship, inclusion, and environmental responsibility.

Sammie’s Buddy Bench Project has inspired schools and communities across the country, encouraging kids to support one another while making a positive impact on the planet. Moon Area Middle School is proud to be part of this movement, proving that small actions can lead to big change.