Since 2023, the Lexington High School school store has supplied students with materials ranging from folders and pencils to fidget toys and small gifts. Located in a room along the Main Building corridor, the store is run by student volunteers. It is led by Olivia Bliss, Lexington’s transition coordinator and evaluation team supervisor for the Developmental Learning Program. 

Bliss has been leading the school store since it was reestablished in Nov. 2023, with a goal of making it a space for deep student involvement and connection. 

“It’s brought a new sense of community that I hope we can just continue to expand upon as we keep it open more often,” Bliss said. 

Volunteering at the school store gives students practice for working a real-life job. Noticing this potential, Bliss has worked over the past two years with student managers and volunteers to revive the store and bring more products into the store. 

“We’re really trying to get people from the community to help support the store so we can get more things that we would really love to have, like school branded merchandise,” Bliss said.

Joshua Agarwal, a senior at LHS and the school store’s general manager, shared how he used his free periods to clean up the store’s space and is taking action to bring new products to the shelves. 

“[We’re working on getting] more fidget toys; those were a huge seller last year among the myriad of things that were school-related,” Agarwal said. 

There are many open slots for student volunteers. Agarwal and the other leaders have made an effort to streamline the sign-up process for students interested in gaining work experience. Students can scan QR codes on posters around the building or reach out to Bliss and the managers if they are interested in signing up. By doing so, they can earn community service hours running the store during study blocks or free periods.

“It’s not a huge time commitment. You can schedule only one block, during lunch, mornings, or afternoons. Whatever you have time for, we will fit you in because we genuinely want you,” Agarwal said.

By supporting the LHS store through volunteering or stopping by to purchase its products, Bliss believes interacting with the school store is a great way to foster a sense of community and connection. 

“If you’re interested at all, please get involved. We really want everyone to have this opportunity,” Bliss said.