The School Store and its partner, Snacks on Tracks, sell goodies to TJ.
photo by Becca Holt
Each day at Thomas Jefferson, Senior Jamee Veasely and her team run the DECA School Store to provide the students with a little something to kick start their mornings and carry them through the day.
The School Store opens at 7:00 every morning, offering freshly baked sheets of cookies, and helping TJ students stock up on snacks for the rest of the day. School Store’s companion, the Snacks on Tracks (SOTs), can be found in front of the office between each passing period throughout the morning, run by the DECA officers.
Veasely says she enjoys running the School Store and selling food to the student body. “Running the Store is fun because you get to interact with a lot of students you normally wouldn’t get to see during the regular day. It introduces you to a whole different crowd,” she said.
The DECA officers each represent a different aspect of the program. Veasely is the School Store Coordinator and runs the inventory, prices, sales and scheduling. She mentioned that running the Store offers good business experience for her and her partners, including Paige Wilson and Lemlem Ahmad. The DECA program and marketing class run the store and dedicate a class period daily to improving the store, learning business aspects, and marketing the different products. Marketing Teacher and Football Coach Matt Nicolo praises the store for the benefits it offers the student body. “The Store offers an opportunity for students to eat breakfast and start their brains,” he said.
According to Nicolo, The energy of the School Store workers and the products they sell seem to make it a more successful business. “This high energy environment and healthy snacks are a good way for any student to begin their day,” he said.
The SOTs can be found in the hallways between classes 1st through 4th period. The portable mini store offers many of the same food items as the regular store and is a convenience for TJ students. “Grabbing a Poptart in the morning on my way to 2nd period is an awesome way to quickly snag some breakfast without being late to class,” said Senior Alex Kaufhold.
SOTs are another business opportunity and learning experience for DECA in which they can raise money for the Chapter but also is helpful to the all the students of TJ. “The Store makes it possible for students to refuel their mind and body and get on their way and through the day,” said Nicolo.
Preparing the school and SOTs daily requires dedication from Veasely and the other officers and students who are helping. Getting to school at 6:30 each morning is no walk in the park. “Having to come to school so early each day is a challenge, but in the end is a benefit for both myself and those around me,” Veasely said.
The School Store and SOTs offer something to the students of TJ that a regular vending machine or lunch line cannot: peer-to-peer interaction and reasonable prices on snacks that will tide them over until the next time they get a chance to eat.
Students who are interested in becoming part of the School Store experience like Veasely should join the DECA program. After taking the beginner classes they will be able to participate in the inner workings of the Store.
