Dare County Schools

Through Cape Hatteras Secondary School of Coastal Studies' Cane-9 Coffee enterprise, students in Merri Jamieson's class are developing multiple business and research skills. The venture was made possible through a grant from Dare Education Foundation and community business support from Burrus Red and White, Food Lion, Connor's and Village Grocers - who have donated baking items, fair trade coffee, creamer, and paper goods. Cane-9 Coffee is enjoying school-community support as well: the coffees and lattes are popular with teachers and students. Sophomore Spencer Burke has taken to the production end of the venture, and is becoming quite the barista.

According to "Entrepreneur" magazine (November, 2009), now is the time to start a new restaurant. Students in the Occupational Course of Study Program at Cape Hatteras Secondary School of Coastal Studies are discovering this to be true! Students opened the Cane-9 Coffee Shop the first of October with a ribbon cutting and speeches. Since then, Starbucks coffee and fresh muffins have been a success with school faculty and staff.  However, this is secondary to the plethora of learning opportunities students have experienced.

Decisions were made to study fair trade coffee and the impact it has on the world. Starbucks' coffee was chosen for its commitment to fair trade. Paper products were chosen based on recycling properties. Students offer a 25 cent discount if the customers bring their own cups.

Communication skills progressed as Assistant Manager, Shelby Otto (ninth grader), learned to direct his fellow workers. Advertising skills were gained as Advertising Manager, Paul Hancock (eleventh grader) learned the power of signage, e-mail and coupons for the tenth cup of coffee free. Barista expertise was mastered as Spence Burke (tenth grader) made coffee, espresso, lattes, and the signature hot chocolate with white chocolate, whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate. Money management skills were learned as Head Cashier, Eddie Vickers (ninth grader) mastered the new cash register. Accounting skills were gained as Daniel Almquist, ninth grader, deposited the first profits. Kieran Bowman (ninth grader) was diligent about cleanliness as health and safety manager.

Blooming Barista -  Spencer serves teacher Ms. Christie Roberson, a regular customer at CHSSCS' Cane-9 Coffee

Support form the community has been outstanding. The Dare County Education Foundation backed the project with a $500 grant. Burrus Red and White, Food Lion, Connor's and Village Grocers donated baking goods, fair trade coffee, creamer, and paper goods. Faculty and staff have been great customers.

CHSSCS Principal Jean Taylor recently asked the Occupational Course of Study students to bring the Cane-9 Coffee Shop to senior high students once a month. On October 29, the first student cafe was an extraordinary success with art work displayed by Marta Martinez's students, jazz music provided by Sean McCroskey, drinks and fresh baked goods. "I am extremely proud of the students as they go about expanding their business" said Merri Jamieson, OCS teacher. "They are learning skills that will make them employable on Hatteras Island in the 21st century."

Photos - Christie Roberson , Audrey Brewer