AcadeMir Charter School Unveils New Buddy Bench with My Buddy Bench Project to Promote Kindness and Inclusion
The AcadeMir Charter School of Math & Science will host a very special event: the unveiling of a new Buddy Bench, sponsored by Monarch All Health & Dr. Rina S. Santiago-Guia, Psy.D., in partnership with the nonprofit My Buddy Bench Project (MBBP).
This initiative stems from the vision of 16‑year‑old co‑founder Victoria Portela, who was inspired by her own childhood experiences of social isolation and bullying. Her mission now is clear: “I want to help other kids feel safe and make friends.”
More Than a Bench – A Symbol of Compassion
The Buddy Bench is more than just a seat in the schoolyard. It serves as a symbol of empathy, kindness, and mental health awareness. As co‑founder Mary Portela, Victoria’s mother, explains: “Each unveiling goes beyond the bench itself. We create spaces that foster compassion, build connections among families and schools, and provide access to resources that break the stigma surrounding emotional wellness.”
Dr. Rina S. Santiago‑Guia, Psy.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist and sponsor of the event, echoed that message: “The Buddy Bench is more than a place to sit. It is a reminder to children that compassion holds power, bullying has no place among them, and kindness will always have a seat.”
For Mrs. Liza Morera‑Taylor, Principal of AcadeMir Charter School, the project represents a meaningful new tradition: “This bench is more than furniture for our garden. It will be a place where students find courage to reach out, empathy to support one another, and friendships that bloom in kindness.”
A Celebration of Kindness and Leadership
The unveiling will feature remarks from school leadership, local government, the founders of MBBP, and sponsor Dr. Santiago‑Guia. Adding a special touch, Buddy, the Project’s certified therapy dog and official Kindness Ambassador, will also be present, showing students that even small acts of compassion can spark big change.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: AcadeMir Charter School of Math & Science,
13330 SW 288th St, Homestead, FL 33033
About My Buddy Bench Project
Founded by mother‑daughter team Mary and Victoria Portela, My Buddy Bench Project is dedicated to promoting empathy, friendship, leadership, and mental health wellness. Through enrichment programs and the support of its Kindness Ambassadors, MBBP creates inclusive environments where children feel safe, valued, and empowered to support one another.
