(La Porte, IN) – The La Porte High School Coffee Club is again brewing up success with its annual Grand Opening celebration.
The student run business in its third year of operation continues to be a popular campus destination and valuable learning space for aspiring entrepreneurs, according to school officials.
The Coffee Club operating under the guidance of business teacher Angie LaRocco has also evolved from a grant-funded startup to a self-sustaining enterprise.
“What makes this program special is that while we celebrate a Grand Opening each year to welcome new students to the class, we also have continuity from students who’ve been with us since the beginning,” she said.
According to school officials, seniors Ethan Messacar, Sawyer Tonagel, and Ethan Gussman have been integral to the Coffee Club’s journey, participating in the business venture since its very first day of operation three years ago.
Messacar hopes his experience will serve as a launching pad for starting a business leveraging his passion for producing music.
“I have worked on all sides of the business at this point, from promotion and marketing to management,” Messacar said.
Students in their second and third years of the entrepreneurship program share responsibilities with advanced students in handling operations, finances, inventory management, drink preparation and marketing.
Currently, the class is preparing for their next venture, a school store that will provide Slicers apparel and snacks to the school community.