Kids raise money for Carole Kostich Buddy Benches by selling friendship bracelets

This school year, there will be new places to sit for Rock Ridge elementary students.

That’s because students in Melissa Lautigar’s 4th grade class from last year raised money for Buddy Benches by selling friendship bracelets.

And it was done in honor of a beloved colleague and friend to all, Mrs. Carole Kostich. “Working with kids and families was a passion of hers,” shared Wally Kostich, her husband. “Her memory will live on with students that will visit these benches.”

Carole was an ADAPT counselor with Range Mental Health who worked out of Franklin Elementary. She was excited to move to the new Laurentian Elementary, but died suddenly last year, right after her 60th birthday.

Thursday, the school held a dedication ceremony with the Kostich family and Carole’s former co-workers.

Carole’s granddaughter, Emma Kedrowski, added, “I thought it was really cool, because it shows they really care about her.”

Karly Kostich, Carole’s daughter, said, “My mom loved her family. But she also loved the students she worked with. She truly loved her job.”

Plus, the students shared why they took on this project.

There are three Carole Kostich Buddy Benches, one each for Laurentian Elementary, Parkview, and North Star Elementary.