Seniors in Mr. Rivenbark’s Entrepreneurship class have spent the fall semester developing and fine-tuning a business plan that, once implemented, will enhance the course of CLS Upper School downtime for years to come.
The pandemic forced a ripple effect in the use of space on our vast campus. This is evident everywhere you go, but two such areas directly impacted are the Senior Loft and the McIntosh Leadership Center (MLC) Café/Learning Commons.
Because the Senior Loft in Founders’ Hall was repurposed for safety and space reasons during COVID-19, the Class of 2021 was given the new Café/Learning Commons (brand new and not yet in use in its intended form due to the pandemic) in the MLC as its dedicated space for both lunch periods. In a year that came with no free periods, much uncertainty, and high stress — the area has become an escape.
The time the seniors have enjoyed in this space got their innovative wheels spinning: What if students played a pivotal role in the café — maintaining the atmosphere and vibe — and turned it into a place of respite and release for Upper School students, a place with special snack options, music, and student art — “Unique to The Beak,” the team touts.
Months of thoughtful research and planning later, the group pitched their creative ideas for The Beak to a group of guests including Mr. B and Mr. Gregory this week.
Stay tuned as The Beak becomes an exciting, student-driven reality — a hangout where students can be themselves apart from the pressures of the school day.
“Take a Load Off and Be Yourself at The Beak!”
The Entrepreneurship Team:
Collin Adams
Will Flouhouse
Riley Haynie
Ryan Hirsch
Brock Middendorf
Chase Montgomery
Dean Omirly