image of student making coffee

Students Serve Up Success with Weekly Coffee for Staff

GK School District

December 19, 2024

Growth and Success - Students Learning Small Business Model Through Real Experiences at GKHS
Students Serve Up Success with Weekly Coffee for Staff

In an innovative approach to real-world business experiences students are learning how to run and operate a school-based coffee shop. Every Friday morning, the main hallway of GKHS is filled with the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Students are taking on the role of baristas and learning how to manage and operate a coffee shop for school staff. From taking inventory, to pricing products and creating seasonal drinks, students are learning how to operate a small business. Proceeds raised are part of a fundraiser for the students trip to Cook Around the World at Walt Disney World Resort in the Spring. 

The coffee shop, GK Wake Up, run by students is under the guidance of Ms. Kirsten Yargus, GKHS Nutrition and Culinary Arts Teacher. 

“It started as a one-time fundraiser and has exploded into this amazing opportunity for students  to learn how to run a business and create different beverages,” said Ms. Yargus. “Students have learned a lot about teamwork and leadership.” 

Each Friday coffee sale is an opportunity for students to learn customer service skills, manage product and earn funds for their bi-yearly trip.

 The GK Wake Up has created a deeper sense of community within the school as staff eagerly wait for their Friday coffee fix and the students take pride in the product they are creating. 

“From an employee perspective, there’s nothing like the feeling of working and to get that Wednesday afternoon or Friday morning much needed treat!,” said Mrs. Maria Miranda, Guidance & Athletic Secretary. “I love coffee, so I have had the pleasure of ordering and contributing and tasting the evolution of the GK Wake Up team’s hard work! From an educator’s perspective, I can’t think of a better way to bring “Workplace Experience” right to our doors!”

This is the second year for the GK Wake Up and they have seen tremendous growth. The menu started off with 4 drinks and they are now at 20 with seasonal options and lines. 

‘“I enjoy the team work and we all get to hang out,” said Michael, Senior at GKHS. “We are getting to know each other, our strengths and weaknesses, before our competition at Cook Around the World.”

The GK Wake Up at GKHS is a testament of the district mission to, “prepare students to excel and contribute to their community.” Through this real-world experience, students are gaining knowledge and skills that can be used outside of school and beyond.