by Sarah Hartley |

On the morning of its second birthday, The Nest threw a big celebration completed with party hats and half-priced drinks.

“We have this thing that once a month, if you empty a coffee carafe, you win a mug,” essential skills teacher Jessica King said. “We picked our birthday to do it this month, to celebrate and have a good time. The kids were all excited; two years is a big deal.”

The Nest, run by LHS’ essential skills and vocational training classes, started out two years ago just as a morning coffee delivery service to 20 teachers around the school.  After receiving a grant for a coffee shop curriculum, the classes visited high schools around the area to observe other coffee shops and decided to give it a try.

Based out of the snack section of the cafeteria, the shop is open every morning from 7 to 8:30, and sells a variety of hot and cold drinks, including five types of coffee, iced coffee, iced chai tea lattes, hot tea, hot chocolate and apple cider. There are also multiple flavors available that can be put into any of the drinks.

It has been a hit with students and staff since the very beginning, reflected by the number of drinks sold each day.

“A low day would be 30, a high day would be in the 70’s,” King said.

Numerous students are loyal customers and return to the shop daily to purchase a drink.

“I get something from The Nest every morning,” senior Marie Taylor said. “I love coffee, and The Nest’s coffee is really inexpensive and delicious, so I might as well.”

The Nest has provided many benefits to its customers and is helpful for students running behind in the morning.

“It’s at the school, so it’s really convenient for me to get coffee without having to go out of my way,” junior Matthew Luczak said. “It’s a really friendly environment, too.”

Many faculty members have witnessed the big impact that The Nest has had on the school and the students behind it.

“It has helped the students develop social skills and vocational skills and learn how to handle money,” nurse Michele Kist said. “It has also integrated them into the student population and they get to know the staff and students. I wait every single day and get so excited when they deliver my coffee.”

Those working directly with the students have also noticed the impact that The Nest has had on those working there.

“I would think they all enjoy what they do,” King said. “They take ownership in it, it’s something they have control over and I think that’s important for our students. They like knowing they’re a big part of the school.”

The Nest plans to add more items in the near future and grow to be even bigger. New customers and suggestions are always welcome.

“Getting coffee from there puts a smile on my face almost daily,” Taylor said. “The people there are so sweet and I look forward to getting coffee there every day.”