On Friday, May 27, Benjamin Franklin Elementary School Principal Katrina Fisher and additional staff joined Quarles & Brady Milwaukee Office Managing Partner Katie Perhach and other firm attorneys to dedicate a second Buddy Bench on the school’s playground, 2308 W. Nash St.

The first bench was installed late last year.

^{The new Buddy Bench.}

Quarles & Brady donated the benches, which are designed to help foster more friendships among students. These are some of the first Buddy Benches ever installed at an MPS location. Several students present at the dedication say they made new friends after using the bench.

^{Milwaukee Quarles & Brady office Managing Partner Katie Perhach (back row, far left) and Benjamin Franklin School Principal Katrina Fisher (back row, far right) with students.}

Quarles & Brady donated the benches through its Quarles Cares program. The local law firm has an ongoing corporate partnership with Benjamin Franklin School including supporting efforts to help students prevent bullying.

^{Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, on 23rd and Nash. (PHOTO: Bobby Tanzilo)}

According to a post on the school's web site, "The Buddy Benches ... are used at recesses to build positive relationships, promote kindness, and create a nurturing environment for those in need. In addition, families in the community use the Buddy Benches as they watch their children play after school and on the weekends."