business

DECA- Business Club 

Posted on by gshslionsdenadmin

By: Theresa Schuetz

GS has welcomed a new business-based club, Distributive Education Clubs of America, DECA.  

DECA was put together in November of 2024 allowing students who joined a month to prepare for Districts. Although it was last minute, students persevered and nine of the students who competed qualified for States.  

“Kids had less than a month to choose their testing area and prepare,” Business teacher Mrs. Rachael Pozik said.  

Before DECA was formed, GS lacked a business club. This new opportunity allows students to further explore their passion or open new interests in the business field, whether that be finance, entrepreneurship, business management, hospitality, marketing or personal financial literacy.  

“I originally wasn’t interested in business for the future, but DECA has made me think about possibly going into business,” sophomore Lola Slavnik said. 

Students chose from the five categories to decide which one they wanted to compete in. Districts were held at Duquesne University and consisted of a 100-question standardized test in the area the student chose. The students then got a specific scenario and had 10 minutes to prepare and act out what they’d do in that scenario. 

DECA club members pose for a photo outside of Duquesne University.

Photo Courtesy: Mrs. Pozik

“Students don’t know what scenario they’re getting, and they have 10 minutes to prepare,” Mrs. Pozik said. “After preparing, they then go into another room and present their solution to a judge.” 

Not only does it allow students to explore their personal passions, but it gives them access to scholarships and new opportunities throughout college while exploring what they may be enthusiastic about learning as well.  

“Business has always been something I’ve been interested in since I was little,” sophomore Bryce Ferace said. “I have always wanted to own my own business and still do; I have a photography business in the making that I’m opening in April. So DECA will also help me learn more information.” 

Students and Pozik are continuously preparing for States, which will be held this month in Hershey, PA.  

“Mr. Brinton is going to States with us, we’re both chaperoning,” Pozik said. “It should be fun, I’m excited, but the last month has been stressful.” 

The Golden Lion Shoppe 

Posted on by gshslionsdenadmin

By: Quinn Isenberg 

Students looking for a snack throughout the school day will be excited to hear that The Golden Lion Shoppe has reopened this school year.  

The shoppe is open every Tuesday and Thursday during advisory and is located across from the cafeteria. Students interested in the shoppe can get a pass from their advisory teacher to purchase items.  

“There’s mainly food, drinks and snacks like candy bars and chips,” shoppe supervisor Mrs. Leisa Ecklund said. “We also sell school supplies.”  

Food and school supplies aren’t all the shoppe has to offer. The Golden Lion Shoppe also acts as a way for students to get work experience.  

Students running The Lion Shoppe during advisory.

Photo by: Quinn Isenberg

“We wanted students to learn,” Mrs. Ecklund said. “We wanted the high school students to be able to come and get a snack and drink and then we also wanted our students to learn social skills that they can use for their future when they graduate high school.”  

The shoppe is an excellent simulation of what it’s like to work retail for the Life Skills students seeking work experience.  

“It feels like you’re actually doing business,” junior Joseph Sabolcik (JW) said.   

This business is teaching the students valuable things that they can take with them into adulthood and use in the real world.  

“It has taught me the different values of working and how it has more advantages than it seems,” freshman Belle Steward said.  

Working for the first time is difficult for most and can take time to adjust to. This opportunity is giving the students a head start in the workforce.  

“They get more comfortable interacting with other people,” Ecklund said. “I also see some students come out of their shell a little bit.”  

The shoppe not only benefits those who are working, but also the students who come to buy from them. 

“I can see the shoppe benefitting students because it provides a way for the students behind the register to learn how to use it, and it provides the students in front of the register a nice snack before third block,” sophomore Royce Boatright said.  

Proceeds from the shoppe are going towards supporting the Life Skills students for their hard work.  

“In the past we’ve used it towards field trips or educational tools for students like headphones,” Ecklund said. “Right now, we’re just trying to get up and running.”