The Torch, more commonly known as The Student Store, quietly took on a new look and feel last spring before making a huge bang this back to school season. It was just last year Sac High seniors felt compelled to make a difference in their school and leave a legacy that would last. 

It all started with a business plan produced by students in the Sac High Business Pathway’s senior capstone class. The plan went through a lengthy draft process before being presented to school administration for approval. Students learned various lessons throughout the process, including in business and teamwork, and they were stretched in new ways to make their dream of a university-style student store come to life. With planning complete and construction underway, scholars moved on to create spirit wear, including t-shirts designed and printed in class to sell in the newly renovated store. The final exam included the entire class participating in a sales competition held between the two periods of seniors. 

An important element of the business plan is the development of a yearly succession plan for each junior business class to adopt as they move into the management roles during their final year at Sac High. This year’s students are taking hold of the succession plan passed down from their fearless leaders and it has proved to be a successful transition thus far. 

Sherry Scott, St. HOPE’s Business Manager, has worked the store for four years now, and loves what the student’s have created. The new space is much roomier and allows her to do her best work. Ms. Scott’s favorite part about the renovation is that parents love it. “The new store allows for parents to walk around and browse products, just like a real store.” Business students are assigned to work with Ms. Scott each day at the Torch giving them real work experience. 

This year’s senior class is in the process of brainstorming new ideas for the store. They look forward to creating new spirit items that Sac High, PS7, Oak Park Prep and St. HOPE fans will love and developing even more pride in the brand.