Saint Mary Catholic School has received the donation of a playground “Buddy Bench”, as shown here by Blakely Craft and Danyon Craft. The bench is a place for a child to sit when he or she feels the need for attention.  This need could be for a companion to play with or a way to escape some perceived conflict. The use of the Bench is to promote compassion, tolerance, and create a more inclusive school environment.  Posing on the bench are Blakely and Danyon Craft.  The Bench was presented to the school by Leadership Southeast Texas – Class of 2016, headed up by Ruth Hancock, West Orange Cove CISD.