Buddy Bench Bequest

A "Buddy Bench" is a fitting symbol of the legacy of Cherokee Cherokee Academy's one-and-only freshman class. The class is bequeathing the bench to the school as it prepares to continue its academic quest apart from CCA.  This 9th grade class was Cherokee Charter's very first, but due to a lack of funding, is also its last (at least for now).  
Students in the freshman class donated the bench to the students of CCA, because the 9th grade class "brought these kids together and...want to leave a legacy to help continue to join students in friendships that will last a lifetime." 
The goal of the Buddy Bench is to "eliminate loneliness and foster friendship on the (school's) playground.  Instead of being lost and alone in the craziness of the playground, a child can take refuge in the Buddy Bench" to find a friend.  
As modeled in the school's STRIVE program (Students Taking Responsibility for Important Values of Excellence), "When you invite someone to play, you show you care and you show empathy." 
As the county's only public charter school, Cherokee Charter Academy is wrapping up its third academic year.  Next school year, CCA expects to have more than a thousand students in grades K-8.
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