Area of Impact
Youth Programs
The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor actively supports Newport-Mesa Unified schools as part of its commitment to empowering youth through dedicated programs and initiatives. Learn more about what we do and how you can get involved!
Community Garden at Back Bay HS
Buddy Bench Program
In partnership with Patrick’s Purpose Foundation, the Exchange Club of Newport Harbor is proud to support the Buddy Bench Program—an initiative designed to promote kindness, encourage inclusion, and help students connect with one another during the school day.
Youth Scholarships
The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor is proud to support local youth through two distinguished annual scholarship programs. Each program recognizes exceptional high school students who exemplify the values of academic dedication, personal growth, and community involvement.
BACK BAY HIGH SCHOOL GARDEN PROJECT
- 8 varieties of tomatoes (Sweet 1000, Japanese Pink, Gargamel, Yellow Pear, Sun Gold & more…)
- One pickle plot that includes cucumber, dill, and garlic
- At least three types of beans/ legumes
- A thriving scallion garden
- Thyme, Oregano & Marjoram
- Italian & Thai Basil
- A chile planter including shishito, habanero, serrano, jalapeno, etc…
- A Thompson seedless grapevine
- Two types of Tomatillos
- Cilantro is currently bolting and students will collect and package seeds for sale in order to explore entrepreneurial possibilities.
A Legacy of Service
This project was inspired by the vision of beloved Club member John Kruse, whose wish was to create a peaceful and purposeful garden space at the school. In honor of his dream, his wife generously bequeathed $6,000 to bring the garden to life. Today, the Back Bay Garden stands as a living tribute to John’s spirit of service and compassion for youth.
Purpose
The program is designed to:
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Teach students valuable gardening and environmental skills
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Provide a calming, restorative space on campus
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Encourage creative expression through photography, video, and storytelling
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Support social-emotional learning and student well-being
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Build a lasting sense of ownership, responsibility, and pride
Program Highlights
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Development and ongoing maintenance of the campus garden
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Student-led care and design of garden beds and planting cycles
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Integration of media arts, allowing students to document their progress, share reflections, and express themselves through digital storytelling
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Collaboration between teachers, counselors, and Club members to support student success
Our Commitment
The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor remains dedicated to nurturing this special project to ensure that John’s legacy grows—and that students have a place to flourish both creatively and personally.
Buddy Bench Program
Promoting Kindness, Inclusion, and Connection on School Campuses
In partnership with Patrick’s Purpose Foundation, the Exchange Club of Newport Harbor is proud to support the Buddy Bench Program—an initiative designed to promote kindness, encourage inclusion, and help students connect with one another during the school day.
What is a Buddy Bench?
A Buddy Bench is a simple yet powerful tool placed on school playgrounds. If a child feels lonely, left out, or just needs someone to talk to, they can sit on the bench as a signal to others that they would like a friend to join them. It fosters empathy, builds friendships, and empowers students to be inclusive and aware of their peers.
Support the Buddy Bench Campaign
Scan the QR code to contribute or learn more about our youth programs
Our Partnership with Patrick’s Purpose
Patrick’s Purpose Foundation was founded in memory of Patrick Turner, whose message to “be kind, always” continues to inspire change in schools and communities. Through this collaboration, we aim to help youth feel seen, heard, and supported—reminding them that they’re never alone. To learn more about the foundation – https://www.
Together, we provide Buddy Benches and promote campus-wide awareness campaigns about kindness, mental health, and connection.
Participating Schools
We are proud to have placed Buddy Benches at the following schools, with more on the horizon:
Back Bay High School
Corona del Mar Middle/High School
Davis Magnet School
Early College High School
Eastbluff Elementary
Kaiser Elementary
Killybrooke Elementary
Newport Harbor High School
Rea Elementary
Sonora Elementary
Wilson Elementary
Each school integrates the Buddy Bench into their campus culture, reinforcing messages of empathy, compassion, and community.
Ifyou wish to support this meaningful cause and help us continue our mission of placing a Buddy Bench at every school within our District, please consider making a donation today. Your generosity will directly impact students by promoting kindness, inclusion, and connection on their campuses.
Donate today and help us build a more compassionate community—one bench at a time.
Youth Scholarships
The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor is proud to support local youth through two distinguished annual scholarship programs: the Youth of the Year Award and the Accepting the Challenge of Excellence (ACE) Award. Each program recognizes exceptional high school students who exemplify the values of academic dedication, personal growth, and community involvement. We work in partnership with the following high schools: Back Bay, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Early College, Estancia, and Newport Harbor.
The Youth of the Year Award honors high-achieving high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic success, leadership, and a commitment to volunteerism and community service.
Award Details:
Purpose: To celebrate students who are academically accomplished and actively engaged in making a positive difference in their communities.
- Open to graduating seniors from our partner high schools.
- Applicants submit an essay provided by the National Exchange Club.
- Candidate applications are judged by our Review Committee.
- Winners receive a scholarship of $3,000 and are recognized at our annual Youth Awards Luncheon.
- Our Club’s winners, one male and one female from each high school, advance to compete at the district level for additional scholarship opportunities.
2025 Winners:
- Corona del Mar – Emily Hands
- Costa Mesa – Ian Encarnacion and India Howerton
- Early College – Audrey Nguyenhuu and Toby Nguyen
- Estancia – Marcos Kehoe and Landry Harder
- Newport Harbor – John O’Brien and Kimberely Sales
Accepting the challenge of excellence (ACE) Award
The ACE Award recognizes high school seniors who have faced and overcome significant life challenges yet have continued to pursue their education and personal development with determination and resilience.
Award Details:
Purpose: To honor students who exemplify courage, perseverance, and transformation in the face of adversity.Open to graduating seniors who have dramatically improved in attitude, behavior, and academic performance.
- Nominated by school counselors or teachers.
- Applicants share their personal story of overcoming adversity through an essay.
- Multiple students are selected annually from our partner high schools to receive scholarships at our ACE Awards Luncheon.
- Our Club’s winners, one male and one female from each high school, advance to compete at the district level for a chance to receive additional scholarships.
2025 Winners:
Back Bay
- Eden Fox
- Jonathan Herrera Cantarella
- Julissa Guadarrama
- Pierre Sandoval Rodriguez
- Stephanie Lopez
