The Falcon Friends Club at JFK hosted a buddy bench dedication ceremony on June 19, joined by administration, staff, parents, Board of Education members and representatives of club sponsor Realty Direct NY.

Falcon Friends, a new club at JFK, was guided by two co-advisers, art teacher Briana Nussbaum and special education teacher Joseph Verdicchio. The organization’s goal is to bring students of differing abilities together to build friendships and appreciate each other’s differences. Over the course of the year, students were able to collaborate, problem solve and build meaningful friendships. Members of Falcon Friends worked hard on designing and painting the bench during club time.

During the ceremony, fourth grader Glenn Calautti and fifth grader Mackenzie Rubinstein unveiled the bench. Following the reveal, fourth graders Nadia Elsergany and Gina Garcia spoke about the purpose of the bench and how it will help students to make new friends at JFK.

“The Falcon Friends Club built friendships and relationships as we worked toward a common goal of constructing our buddy bench,” Verdicchio said. “I am honored to see the teamwork and effort that was shown throughout the project.”

“It was such a privilege to work with these students,” said Nussbaum. “Their empathy and compassion towards one another is so admirable. I am proud of their hard work.”