The smell of muffins drifts through the halls of Emmaus High School. There’s chatter between students for the Hornet Perks snack stand; each carefully deciding on what they’re going to munch on.
Hornet Perks is a snack cafe that is open during block 2B by the cafeteria outside of room 151. In addition to the stand, there is a cart to take treats to the district office, as well as a call-in and delivery option for adults and faculty in the school building.
Students in EHS’ Enhanced Learning Support, (ELS) program help to run the stand. ELS is a program for students who need extra assistance than those receiving learning support.
The stand has a range of treats, including Cheez-Its, oatmeal, Little Bites Muffins, Pop-Tarts, Rice Krispies Treats, orange juice, Gatorade, hot chocolate, hot tea, and more. All items are marked as $1.
Hornet Perks is a familiar name to many teachers and upperclassmen. The program began in 2009, but this year, it will run a bit differently.
Learning support teachers and advisors of Hornet Perks Alison Horner and Regan Palazzo originally ran Hornet Perks in addition to teaching. This year, it was made into a class.
“This new format is definitely different, and I’m sure it is going to take some time to figure it all out,” Horner said. “So we’re still working through that.”
The profits go toward field trips and other activities for the students.
“We are going to the East Penn Diner on Dec. 17,” Horner said. “Each student will get money to spend on their meal.”
Hornet Perks is a program that aims to introduce its students to real-life scenarios similar to those found in a working environment.
According to Horner and Palazzo, Hornet Perks was created to give their students experience in social skills, stocking items, responsibility, and other employable qualities.
“We’re trying to tailor it [Hornet Perks] to the best we can so they have a good experience.” Horner said, “They also become an integral part of the school.”
Sophomore and frequent customer Olivia Haas enjoyed her experience at the snack stand.
“Everything was really good,” Haas said.
Haas added that she plans to visit the stand often during her block 2B study hall.
“I think it would be really awesome if the program could grow because I think it’s such a nice thing to have,” Haas said. “It helps so many people and it gives the people working there necessary skills.”
Hornet Perks is changing, and many in the program are growing along with it.
“I’m assuming it will continue in the future,” Horner said. “But that is really for the administration to decide.”
There’s passion behind each sale, and every kid has a story. Those involved in Hornet Perks are passionate about what they do and are ready to see the program grow.
