The Sip Squad is officially open for business and has already made a splash during its first full week of operation. Open on Tuesdays and Thursdays during all lunches, the student-run drink stand offers a healthy alternative to traditional sugary beverages by serving sugar-free flavored waters. Every flavor and combination on the menu was carefully created by Mrs. Pruitt’s students!
Sip Squad is designed to teach real-world job skills to Mrs. Pruitt’s employability students. Students are earning work-based learning hours and gaining experience in customer service, product management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Unlike traditional jobs that primarily involve working with staff, Sip Squad provides the opportunity to build real-world skills while interacting directly with their peers.
“Sip Squad has allowed us to create a business, develop a product, and sell it,” said Mrs. Pruitt, Employability Teacher. "I am so proud of my students and their hard with Sip Squad! They are learning valuable skills such as managing inventory, providing excellent customer service, and most importantly having fun while learning! My goal was to create an enterprise that they would truly enjoy and that would also appeal to both students and staff at SHS."
The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive, and there are already plans to expand operations. Future goals include offering deliveries and introducing a “Drink of the Month” to showcase new student-created recipes.
Sip Squad is more than a refreshment stop - it’s a hands-on program where students build real-world job skills, practice independence, and engage with their peers through meaningful work experiences.
