Buddy Bench honors student’s memory

On September 16, 2016, Leah and Joe Offutt honored the memory of their son Jake, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 15 from brain cancer, by presenting St. John Catholic School, in Westminster, with “Jake’s Buddy Bench” in his memory.

A 2014 graduate of St. John School, Jake Offutt was an avid martial arts enthusiast and student athlete. He was known as a buddy to all, always kind, respectful and a true friend. The bench is permanently situated along the access road that traverses the St. John Catholic Community Campus. St. John Catholic Church pastor, Father Mark Bialek, blessed the bench at this dedication event with members of the school community, family and friends in attendance. Fr. Bialek encouraged those in attendance to reach out to all who might need the support of a buddy.

Leah and Joe Offutt created The Jake Offutt Foundation: Embrace the Warrior Within to support academic and athletic opportunities in the area. On August 11, 2016, the Offutt family and The Jake Offutt Foundation presented the school with a check for $6000 to be used towards Phase II of playground renovations at the school.

Located in Westminster, St. John Catholic School serves students Pre-K through Grade 8 in Carroll County.

Pictured left to right: St. John Catholic School students Gavin Tittle, Grace Dyas(front); Audrey Kapfer, Leah Offutt and Joe Offutt (back), co-founders of The Jake Offutt Foundation.