FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - A local changemaker was recognized Wednesday on singer Kelly Clarkson's talk show. Sammie Vance, the 16-year-old founder of Sammie's Buddy Bench Project, appeared virtually on The Kelly Clarkson Show during the "What I'm Liking" segment. She got to tell Kelly all about the project, which has made an international impact since Sammie founded it seven years ago with the goal of forging friendships and helping others feel less alone in the world, starting with the simple act of sitting on a bench together. "The whole process of being on The Kelly Clarkson Show didn't really hit me until afterward," Sammie said. "Kelly said some very kind things that I'm very grateful for." Sammie Vance, the founder of Sammie's Buddy Bench Project, was interviewed virtually by Kelly Clarkson during the "What I'm Liking" segment of her show. Sammie Vance appears virtually on The Kelly Clarkson Show Sammie even got to send a copy of her book, "Inspire the World: A Kid's Journey to Making a Difference", to Kelly's kids, who are around the same age Sammie was when she founded the buddy bench project. Now a sophomore in high school, Sammie is juggling plenty of other activities while continuing to be an activist. She's a stage manager of productions with Fort Wayne Youtheatre, and between those activities and school work, she is also planning a leisurely trip to London and Paris later this year. Kelly gifted Sammie $1,000 after the interview -- money that will be used to help fund that well-deserved trip to Europe. The episode featuring Sammie aired Wednesday at 4 p.m. on NBC and can be streamed on Peacock. The buddy bench founder said she's still in shock that she got to interact with Kelly, even if it was through a screen. "It's a way to look back and be grateful for all that the project has spread and been able to help and the influence it's made," Sammie said. "It's very neat for me personally, but also, it really does help spread the word of the project and just the main goal of spreading kindness and making sure everyone has a friend." And the latest bout of recognition on national television hasn't slowed down Sammie's mission. Buddy benches continue to become part of schools close to home and even as far as Argentina, where Sammie said students got to practice their English during a conversation with her about the project. Benches aren't just found in schools, either. You may recognize them in places like Jefferson Pointe and Citizens Square, the latter of which gained a bench last year in honor of the late Mayor Tom Henry. Learn more about Sammie’s Buddy Bench Project and how you can help the cause on the organization’s website.