This semester, students had the opportunity to shape the future of the school store. Through surveys in eight different classes, they suggested 24 possible food items (see image), ranging from savory snacks to sweet treats. Their voices will help guide what comes next.
The vision of the store goes beyond sales. It serves as a way for CTE classes to sell products directly to students while also ensuring affordable, quality food options are available to the student body.
“Out of the 24 options, around five would be possible to introduce to the school store,” said Sauls, who directs the store. “It’s not that we don’t want them all, but some just aren’t realistic.”
The process was simple but effective. Each class voted on foods they’d like to see. From there, the 24 suggestions were narrowed to five based on popularity, affordability, and feasibility.
“We don’t want it to be too expensive for the student,” Sauls said. “That’s why you see our energy drinks for three dollars instead of eight dollars. It’s important to keep prices fair so everyone can enjoy them.”
Some items were ruled out due to cost, freshness, or lack of popularity. Cheesecake bites, acai bowls, and steak kabobs would be too expensive. French fries and fried Oreos would be difficult to keep fresh. Others like funnel cake lacked interest.
Students were excited to see their favorite treats considered. “I think adding boba to the menu will increase school store popularity,” senior Jayleen Johnson said. “I would buy it every chance I got.”
The excitement from students mirrors the anticipation from those who help run the store. Staff and student workers are optimistic that the new items will draw in more customers.
“I think that any of these options will boost the school store’s sales,” says school store worker, junior Gabriel Altizer. “Although it would be harder to manage a bigger crowd, the end result would be worth it.”
Budget isn’t the only factor shaping the list. Sauls also shares his goals for the year ahead after raising $25,000 from last year’s sales.
“This year, our goal is around $35,000,” Sauls said. “Bringing in new products can help us get there. But even more than that, we want to grow in customer service and make sure students are satisfied.”
Student choice is only one piece of the puzzle. Sauls explained that introducing new items also means marketing them well, letting students know they’re available, and giving everyone time to get comfortable trying something unfamiliar.
“When you introduce new items, there’s hesitation,” Sauls said. “If someone’s used to buying pizza, are they going to try something new instead? That’s the challenge and the opportunity.”
To help overcome that hesitation, Sauls plans to promote the new menu items through creative marketing campaigns and student involvement. Posters, social media updates, and in-school announcements will highlight the changes, giving students more reasons to stop by and see what’s new.
Still, Sauls sees the survey as a step toward making the store more connected with the student body. Having students vote on new options not only builds excitement but also gives them a role in shaping what the store becomes.
Ultimately, the school store isn’t just about food—it’s about purpose. By giving CTE classes hands-on experience and students affordable, high-quality options, the store brings the two together, making it a service that belongs to the whole school community.
“When students feel like their voices matter, it changes everything,” Sauls said. “ This isn’t just a store—it’s a service for them, and we want them to be part of it.”
