By BRITTNEY BUTLER – News Writer
Previously operated by school marketing classes, the school store has undergone changes due to the Career Technical and Agricultural Education department’s relocating to the Athens Career Academy.
Former Clarke Central High School marketing teacher Vickie Shell and her students opened the doors to the Glad Shack multiple days each week of the 2011-12 school year.
The Glad Shack, once run by students, experienced a change in products and management. Photo by Maria Velasquez.
“I think having a spirit store is important for the CCHS Community,” CCHS junior varsity football assistant cheerleading coach Laura Cofer said.
However, students are no longer involved in operating the school store because the Career, Technical and Agricultural Education department was relocated to the Athens Community Career Academy at the beginning of the 2012-13 school year.
With the departure of the CTAE programs, the formerly student-run store is now operated by the CCHS athletic department.
“There was no one to run the school store, so the athletic department asked (CCHS Principal Dr. Robbie P.) Hooker if it would be permissible for the athletic department to run it,” Athetic Director Dr. John Ward said. “(Profits) go into a general athletic account, used primarily to purchase uniforms for the different teams.”
Cofer manages the Glad Shack with help from the CCHS Young Life chapter leaders, who are all University of Georgia students.
According to younglife.org, it is “A non-denominational Christian ministry that reaches out to adolescents through building meaningful relationships.” The Young Life volunteers use the Glad Shack as a platform to get to know more CCHS students.
“(It is) a really cool opportunity just to be in Clarke Central for lunch and just seeing (students) more,” Young Life leader Alex Finkhousen said.
According to Cofer, in addition to fundraising, another reason the new Glad Shack functions to promote school spirit and build sense of community.
“I think it’s important for students, parents and the community to have access to CCHS spirit wear,” Cofer said. “Our school and district often get a bad rap, and we need to do all we can to promote a sense of school spirit.”
Another change to the Glad Shack is to its inventory. Last year, snacks and beverages were available for purchase in the Glad Shack, but food and drinks are no longer available due to the latest Clarke County School District Wellness Policy. The policy was adopted on Aug. 9, and its goal is to promote healthier diets for CCSD students.
“It’s kind of a contradiction if we’re going to try to prepare healthy (food) and then sell chips and sodas all day long (in the Glad Shack,)” CCSD Superintendent Dr. Philip Lanoue said.
According to Lanoue, the Wellness Policy will have a lasting and positive effect on students. The policy contains guidelines that limit what foods and drinks can be sold in CCSD schools during the day based on their nutritional values.
“Students can get involved in making their schools healthier,” CCSD Nutrition Director Paula Farmer said. “Many of the changes that are being implemented through the wellness policy directly impact students.”
However, students like CCHS sophomore Mariah Isbell are not pleased with the wellness policy’s results on the Glad Shack.
“The Glad Shack is pointless if it doesn’t sell food,” Isbell said. “You can go in there and buy clothing, but other than that, what really is the point to having it?”
While students like Isbell have been disappointed with the changes, Hooker is pleased with the Glad Shack’s new operational protocol.
“It’s nice to see (students) at the (football) game come spirited with your (CCHS) clothing,” Hooker said. “If you go to high schools that really have team spirit, they believe in it, they wear it. They buy this stuff.”
