Lynbrook's Owl Buddy Program is soaring, virtually

Editor’s note: Swerdin is a sophomore at Lynbrook High School.

As Lynbrook students are learning to adjust to the new reality of social distancing and at-home learning, many struggle to feel a sense of everyday normalcy. To combat these new challenges, Lynbrook high school and middle school students Mason, Ryan and Logan Benvenuto paired up with Sofia and Penelope Yaker to establish the Owl Buddy Program.

The initiative is run by students, for students, to provide an outlet during this stressful time. It is also an opportunity to feel a purpose outside of schoolwork and gain community service hours.

“This program is a great opportunity, especially in these times, for young kids to have an interaction that they otherwise aren’t getting,” said Joseph Giovinco, is a junior at LHS and a buddy to Luke Nappi, a first-grader at Marion Street Elementary School. “They get so excited to see their buddies, and it’s something for us both to look forward to.”

Once or twice a week, students spend time on online platforms, such as FaceTime, Zoom or Google Meet, to read, talk, tutor, exercise and create games. Owl Buddies make sure to keep young students busy by making sure they socialize, but stay on top of their schoolwork. There are now 115 Lynbrook students involved in the program, but according to Sofia Yaker, the numbers are growing each day.

The program is not only beneficial for students. According to Ryan Benvenuto, parents love it too. Due to the many new hardships that parents are now facing, such as working from home and keeping their children engaged in schoolwork, they are thankful for their children’s buddies.

“We want to help all of the parents who have been tasked with not only working from home, but also having to home-school their children,” Sophia Yaker said. “We hope to give the kids a chance to socialize and to give the parents a much-needed break in their day.”

Parents have been contacting the buddies to share how much their children love the program and the experiences they are gaining from it. Lynbrook mother and alumna Jane Sloan has two children who participate in the Owl Buddy Program — Lily, a first-grader at West Endd, and Parker, an eighth-grader at Lynbrook North.

“This is such a need for Lily,” Sloan said. “She missed connecting with her friends, discussing books with her teachers and working on projects. … I am so grateful and thankful that we were introduced to this program.”

Sloan’s son Parker is also enjoying his time with Owl Buddy Mikey Mummendey, who is in first grade. Parker helps Mummendey improve his math skills, and in return, Mummendey helps Parker with his art skills.