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On November 12, 2026, South Miami Heights Elementary School, home of the SMHE Locomotives, will officially unveil its new Anti-Bullying Buddy Bench in collaboration with My Buddy Bench Project (MBBP), a Miami-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit co-founded by teenager Victoria Portela and her mother, Mary Portela.This initiative was made possible through generous support from The Children’s Trust and in collaboration with Christina’s Academy, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening the emotional well-being of children and families in Miami-Dade.
Having experienced bullying herself, Victoria wanted to turn her experience into something positive for other children. Her vision was simple but powerful: create a place where children could find friendship, feel included, and know they are not alone.
What started with a bench has evolved into something much bigger—a student-centered program that promotes mental and emotional wellness, prevents bullying, and empowers children to become leaders of kindness in their own schools.
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