The Bulldog Bookstore at the Jr./Sr. High School has a new leader for the 2021-22 school year.
Senior Mark VanDeusen was named student manager in early September. 
The Bulldog Bookstore, part of the Senior College and Career Enrichment Program, 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 Business teacher Mrs. Weissenberger, who oversees the store. Students work during free periods and lunch.
“Students are taught real-life skills,” Mrs. Weissenberger said. “The students who work at the bookstore also learn life-long employment skills such as good organization, human relations, teamwork and how to responsibly handle cash.”
Mark has worked at the bookstore since his freshman year. His chief responsibilities include overseeing and scheduling fellow student employees, tracking inventory, making orders, reconciling transactions and submitting deposit slips.
Mark says he continues to gain valuable experience.
“It’s not just a store; it’s a business,” said Mark. “I’m much more comfortable counting large amounts of money now and have gotten a good taste of what it takes to manage people and run a successful operation.”
Mrs. Weissenberger says although she’s pleased the bookstore has so many exceptional student employees, with each offering different qualities, Mark is a natural leader.
“Mark always has a positive attitude and exemplifies initiative, communication skills, acceptance of supervision and the ability to follow instructions, make good choices and manage time,” said Mrs. Weissenberger.
The Bulldog Bookstore 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, Mark plans to attend a four-year college to major in physical therapy. He’s hoping he will be accepted into the Ithaca College physical therapy program.
In the meantime, he’s excited about his senior year and new role at the Bulldog Bookstore.
“I love seeing the people who come into the store and the smile on their faces when they get what they want,” said Mark.
Congratulations to Mark VanDeusen on being named student manager of the Bulldog Bookstore!