A few Russia Local School students posing with the “Buddy Bench” at recess. It is a part of the schools A-Z Character Education program. Mrs. Poeppelman’s third grade class had F for friendship and they made the “Buddy Bench”. The idea behind a buddy bench is if you are ever at recess and feel sad or do not have anyone to play with you can sit on the buddy bench and it is sign to the other students to come and invite you to play with them. Superintendent Steven Rose said it has been a great learning experience for the entire class.