A new coffee shop at Jefferson County High School proves interaction with the special education department is a perfect blend for the students and staff.
A blend of special education students and members of the student body at JCHS work in the "Patriot Perk" coffee shop in the mornings to serve up a smile and caffeine.
The concept is something that is brand-new at the school this year -- and so far it's a hit.
The line at the coffee shop extends out the door most mornings.
Mornings may be busy at Patriot Perk, but that doesn't phase Special Education student Amanda. She loves serving others.
"The best thing is helping people," Amanda explained.
For JCHS senior Beka Horton, she loves that she is able to bring joy to students lives through some java.
"I like seeing everybody in the morning coming to get coffee and stuff and getting to talk to people and brightening their morning a little bit," she said. "And working with Amanda of course. She's fun."
Amanda and Beka are just a couple of the students who get to be a part of Patriot Perk.
For Special Education Teacher Richey Green, he's overjoyed to see the program working so well.
"We wanted to make it a connection between our special needs students and any regular student at Jefferson County High School," Green noted.
It all started so his students could get real-life work experience, and so the transition out of high school is smoother.
"They will be able to go out and have the job skills and the competency skills to get a job in the workforce," he explained.
The students are very receptive to the idea too. They may get a kick from the caffeine, but their joy doesn't come from the hot cup of joe.
"They say every day, 'Hey this is the best thing we've done at Jeff County since I've been here,'" Green noted. "They love coffee, but they love our children. I mean this is one of the most welcoming schools that I've ever been at as far as taking care of their own."
The coffee and hot chocolate may come at a price, but the well wishes and smiles are served up free of charge.
Administrators at JCHS said the Patriot Perk program has been a successful one so far, so there are plans to extend the menu in the future to offer more coffee options.
After the shop closes for the morning, the students still take orders via email from teachers and are able to deliver beverages during the first period.
Richey Green also said Kennedy Coffee has helped them out “tremendously,” and H.T. Hackney has been instrumental in letting them know how to get the program started and how to reach out to the community.