Leadership Fayetteville’s Class of 2026 is helping to create spaces for friendship and connection across Cumberland County Schools (CCS) through the installation and donation of Buddy Benches at Sunnyside Elementary, Ed V. Baldwin Elementary and Bill Hefner Elementary schools.
Ribbon-cutting ceremonies to mark the occasion were recently held at each location. Those in attendance included Leadership Fayetteville class members and alumni, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Leadership Team, community members, school staff, students and CCS leaders and Board members.
Leadership Fayetteville, a professional development program through the Greater Fayetteville Chamber, provides experiential learning opportunities that help business and community leaders better understand local issues such as education, government and economic development. As part of the program, each class completes a community impact project, and this year’s class selected Buddy Benches to encourage peer connection and support among students.
The project was made possible through the support of Ben and Victoria Stout of Ben Stout Construction, Cape Fear Valley Health and Yellow Crayons.
Buddy Benches Ribbon Cutting at Bill Hefner Elementary School on May 11
Buddy Benches Ribbon Cutting at Ed V. Baldwin Elementary School on May 6
Buddy Benches Ribbon Cutting at Sunnyside Elementary School on May 6