Vol, 7, No. 17: May 5, 2008		Get SEAchange by email

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5. Mercer wins award for student store

Mercer School District received honors for its student-run store that aims to help revitalize the community's retail industry, provides money to charitable causes, and teaches financial, business, and civic skills.

And all this after their merchandise went up in smoke.

The district was named a state winner in the 2008 National Civic Star competition orchestrated by the American Association of School Administrators and Sodexho, Inc.

Four years ago, the Mercer senior class conceived The Paw Shop as part of a leadership and service-learning course. The students hoped the store, which sells most of its used and student-made items for less than a dollar, would bring shoppers into Mercer, where many retail sites lie vacant.

The students applied for grants to cover the startup costs. Local realtor Tom Ponik provided the space at a reduced rate. Commmunity volunteers got involved to help the students succeed.

The store opened in the fall of 2004. Proceeds were donated to charitable and community projects. The enterprise was such a hit, community members asked that it keep running during the summer.

When fire devastated The Paw Shop, business teacher Connie Swanson used the disaster as a lesson. Students learned about insurance, calculated lost revenue, and researched the costs of new equipment. After months of hard work, the store triumphantly re-opened.

By operating The Paw Shop, students learn about giving back to the community and working with intergenerational partners—in addition to business skills like entrepreneurship, customer service, and advertising design. Students are responsible for making business and marketing plans. They also present ideas to the school board and the community. Mercer educators have integrated curriculum standards into the store project, and every successful student receives the Wisconsin Employability Skills Certificate.

The National Civic Star Awards are presented to school districts that creatively cultivate community partnerships to enrich education.

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Last updated on 5/5/2008