Sarah-Katherine Cantrell loves to sit on her Buddy Bench on the playground at Springdale Elementary.
It’s where she makes new friends.
Recently she made a new and unexpected friend - …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
Please log in to continueNeed an account?
|
Sarah-Katherine Cantrell loves to sit on her Buddy Bench on the playground at Springdale Elementary.
It’s where she makes new friends.
Recently she made a new and unexpected friend - Orlando “El Gato” Melendez, a 6’8” forward on the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team.
“He’s probably the tallest friend I have,” Cantrell said, “and probably the tallest person I’ve ever seen.”
Melendez, who played with the Harlem Globetrotters Jan. 11 at Colonial Life Arena, wanted to meet Cantrell and hear about her Buddy Bench project.
The project places benches on playgrounds of all Lexington 2 elementary schools.
Students can sit on the benches to signal others that they’re looking for someone to talk to or play with.
Melendez surprised the 5th-grader with his visit, approaching her as she was sitting on the bench.
“Can I be your buddy?” Melendez asked Cantrell.
The visit was part of the Globetrotters’ outreach to young people, which includes visits to schools to talk about the need for everyone to work together, to be kind to each other and to make a positive difference.
Cantrell learned a few of the tricks Melendez performed for fans during last Friday’s show.
Other items that may interest you
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here