On Friday, the students of Vivian Fowler Elementary School received a very special gift that has been in the making since last school year. MPHS Ag Mechanics student Uriel Rodriguez, assisted by classmate David Ugalde, built a Buddy Bench to be placed on the Vivian Fowler playground.  The bench sits in direct sight of the playground equipment.  Students in need of a friend, or “buddy”, can sit on the bench alerting others to come ask them to play.

The bench was built in memory of former Vivian Fowler teacher, Gloria Martinez.  “Mrs. Martinez was one person you could really depend on,” said Debra Williamson, Fowler Counselor.   “She loved children and had a knack for being kind.  She was everybody’s buddy.  I couldn’t think of a better person to dedicate the bench to.”

Rodriguez and Ugalde were on hand to deliver the bench with help from Ag teacher, Blake Rice and Career and Technology Education Director, Karl Whitehurst.  There to receive their new Buddy Bench were National Elementary Honor Society President Natalie Hines, Vice-President Kenia Rodriguez, Treasurer Alexander Garcia, Parliamentarian Diego Hernandez, Reporter Alexis Sandoval and members Estevan Marroquin and Jayden Finley, along with Williamson and Fowler Principal Cindy Davis.