Benjamin Christensen was named the Bulldog Bookstore “Employee of the Month” for the month of January.
Benjamin, a senior, is in his second year working at the bookstore located in the Jr./Sr. High School. Business teacher Mrs. Weissenberger, who oversees the store, says Benjamin was selected based on his outstanding qualities.
Fellow students and co-workers, Kailee Moerler and Gabby Miner, both say Benjamin has been a good mentor. 
“He taught me how to properly communicate with customers and people in general, which is a very important life skill,” Miner said.
“Thanks to Ben, I’ve become more comfortable with my math skills and handling cash,” Moerler added. “This will help me in my future.”
In addition to learning real-life skills that can be used well after high school, Benjamin says working at the bookstore is fun and rewarding.
“I enjoy the people because I am a social butterfly and love interacting with people,” Benjamin said. “Earlier this school year, I trained two tenth grade co-workers.”
He also says the bookstore has improved his patience, which he refers to as a very important quality.
“Before working at the bookstore, I’d be more likely to say, ‘let’s do it now and right the first time,’” Benjamin explained. “While it took me a couple of weeks, I am now more relaxed and have better patience. I have become a better leader because of it.”
For Benjamin, working at the bookstore is a family affair. His brother, Christian, and sister, Sabrina, also worked at the store while attending Westmoreland Jr./Sr. High School.
“I’m pretty sure we have Snapple at the store because of my brother eight years ago,” Benjamin joked.
The Bulldog Bookstore is not associated with any class. Rather, students interested in acquiring a volunteer position at the store submit an application, resume and at least two references, and are then interviewed by Mrs. Weissenberger. Students work during free periods and lunch.
The store is open Monday-Friday during school hours and sometimes during special events. There’s plenty of “green and white” to choose from. Products for sale range from t-shirts to hoodies to snacks and school supplies. All profits are invested back into the student body in the form of scholarships to graduating seniors.
After graduating from Westmoreland Jr./Sr. High School, Benjamin plans on enrolling in the Army to specialize in construction. He will depart for Fort Leonard Wood in South Carolina for nine weeks in July or August.
Congratulations to Benjamin Christensen on being named the Bulldog Bookstore “Employee of the Month” for the month of January!