McKeesport Area High School students are using a new school store to support clubs and gain work experience.
Students enrolled in Sherry Roskov's “Access Community” course, which teaches volunteerism and job skills, have partnered with other groups, including academic clubs and sports teams, to operate a school store during lunch periods.
The shop, tucked in the back of the cafeteria, offers snacks and school supplies along with McKeesport Area Tigers spirit gear — something the high school hasn't had in at least a decade.
“My students cleaned the room and built this store from the ground up,” Roskov said. “On the days that we're not out working in the community, we're in the store.”
The store opened on Sept. 2 after just one week into the 2014-15 school year. It's open every day during each lunch period.
“My students love working here, and it's going well for the other organizations,” Roskov said. “It's really taken off. Every week we write a new merchandise tag.”
“We have everything ranging from shirts to snacks and school necessities,” senior Jaron Domarsky said.
The stock includes Tigers T-shirts and polos, spirit beads, leis, and red and blue wooden roses. Pencils, notebooks and other school supplies are available for students who misplaced their belongings. Snacks are among the most popular, with gummy treats and taffy constantly coming off the shelves.
Sophomore Darren Smith said a lot of students want to supplement their lunches — candy to satisfy their sweet tooth or just a little something extra.
Senior Jimmy Young II said the school store gives students an opportunity to serve their classmates and gain work experience in a comfortable setting.
“It's fun,” he said. “We're working in our own cafeteria, and we get to interact with our fellow students.”
Jennifer R. Vertullo is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-664-9161, ext. 1956, or jvertullo@tribweb.com.
