Students who forget a pen in class no longer will have to ask their neighbors to borrow one. Cougar Cave, Durant High School’s new school store, held its grand opening and ribbon cutting Thursday, Sept. 18.
The store is tucked away beside the lunchroom and has everything from notebooks to highlighters. Most items are under a dollar. And for those without their pens, the store stocks five different choices.
“We have more school supplies than last year,” Nicole Garling, store manager, said. “More students are coming in. It’s more decorated.”
Garling, a junior, is volunteering her time at the store from 7 to 7:30 a.m. daily and during lunch Tuesdays and Thursdays. She is part of Future Business Leaders of America and serves as the organization’s historian. She got involved with the store last May.
Cougar Cave is the brainchild of FBLA advisers Ruth Rothe and Dawnelle Stafford and their students. Many years ago, the school had a marketing program, but it was cut. Rothe said this is a way to bring it back and offer real-world experience. They were lucky enough to receive a $500 grant to jumpstart the education.
“They’re learning the programs, and they’re keeping track of inventory,” Rothe said.
The students use Quicken on the cash register and handle money. But, Garling is learning more than that.
“For students who work in the school store, we get a sense of the business world,” Garling said. “We get better communication skills. This actually helps my communication skills.”
Kevin O’Hare, FBLA state officer, agreed.
“One of the unique things about this project … is that it’s run by students for students,” he said. “Not many people get to work in a store. We’re setting the example not just for Hillsborough County but (also) the state on how to grow student leaders.”
Ambassadors from the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce attended to the ribbon cutting to support the young entrepreneurs.
“Being a chamber of commerce, we are all about business,” said President Marion Smith. “So, we are so proud of you … opening this store and helping your fellow students.”
Members of Durant’s administration also were present for the ribbon cutting.
“We’re always encouraging our kids to accept challenges,” Pam Bowden, Durant’s principal, said. “This is one of those things. We hope this will be a huge success, and we hope we can expand.”