Kait's Angels Gifts Buddy Bench to Riley Avenue Elementary School

Kait’s Angels, a local non-profit group, recently gifted a “Buddy Bench” to the Riley Avenue Elementary School.

The “Buddy Bench”, which will be placed in the kindergarten playground area, was given in memory of Kaitlyn Doorhy.

The 2012 Mattituck High School graduate was a junior aspiring to become a lawyer when at the age of 20 she was struck by a car near her sorority house at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Assistant Principal Jeanne Grim and Riley Avenue Principal David Enos gave a greeting to the kindergarten students who were seated in front of the bench and the third graders who lined the periphery of the cafeteria.

They also both warmly welcomed Kaitlyn’s parents, Joe and Darla Doorhy, and a representative of Kait’s Angels, Laurie Italia, who later explained the origin and intent of the “Buddy Bench”.

After the greeting and an opening statement, the school’s scouts led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Student Council gave a quick presentation they authored and a skit about how the “Buddy Bench” is used as an invitation to offer friendship to another youngster.

In their skit a group of children are playing tag together when a young boy, who is new to the school and looks a little lost and lonely sits down on the bench.

Quick to pick up on the silent message, one of the boys comes over to invite the boy on the bench to play with him.

This simple illustration of the purpose of the bench was followed by a song entitled “My Friend”, sung by the third grade class and directed by Riley music teacher Keith Maguire.

The song provided a musical message of the importance of kindness and friendship and was reflected in the eyes of the students--some of whom stood under the recently lighted tree next to a large projected photograph of Kaitlyn when she was the Mattituck Strawberry Queen.

Ms. Italia gave the final dedication and two little kindergarten students once again acted out the intent of the bench.

The school also thanked Mr. and Mrs. Doorhy, who have presented several North Fork schools, including the Aquebogue Elementary School, with a “Buddy Bench” in memory of their angel, Kaitlyn.

Photo Caption: Mr. and Mrs. Doorhy and some of the kindergarten students at the Riley Avenue Elementary School tried out the new “Buddy Bench”.

Photo courtesy of the Riverhead Central School District