From left: Jocelyn Buxton, Shelley Shirel and Katie Jeseritz from Spence Elementary accept a check from Mike Seichter and Erin Heiden from Market & Johnson.

A local general contractor has made a grant to Spence Elementary School for purchase of a Buddy Bench — seating designed to help develop and foster friendships on the playground.

Market & Johnson, through their Employee Impact Fund, presented a check for $700 on Monday to School Counselor Katie Jeseritz, along with Principal Shelley Shirel and Teacher Jocelyn Buxton.

The grant was arranged by the La Crosse Public Education Foundation, which forwarded the idea for the Buddy Bench to Market & Johnson.

Spence students gathered in the front entryway to see the check presentation from Mike Seichter, Vice President/Project Manager at the La Crosse office of Market & Johnson, who was joined by Erin Heiden from the firm.