The Bulldog Bookstore at the Jr./Sr. High School has a new leader for the 2022-23 school year.
The Bulldog Bookstore is part of the Senior College and Career Enrichment Program. 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.”
Dakota has worked at the bookstore since he was in eighth grade. As student manager, his chief responsibilities include overseeing and scheduling fellow student employees, tracking inventory, making orders, reconciling transactions and submitting deposit slips.
Before the start of school, Dakota was busy getting the bookstore ready for customers.
“I’m restocking and making sure everything is in order so when school starts everything is ready for our new employees,” Dakota said at the time.
Mrs. Weissenberger says although she’s pleased the bookstore has so many exceptional student employees, with each offering different qualities, Dakota is a natural leader.
“Dakota has a very powerful leadership style,” Mrs. Weissenberger said. “He focuses on action instead of words, and he’s able to generate excitement, encourage ownership and develop loyalty in unique ways. He gives everyone a chance to contribute, share the process and have ownership in our goals.”
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 high school, Dakota plans to attend Mohawk Valley Community College to study radiology and then transfer to a four-year college to major in bio medical science. His dream job is to be a scientist.
In the meantime, he’s excited about his senior year and new role at the Bulldog Bookstore.
“I really enjoy talking to people in the bookstore and seeing how we are doing on a day-to-day basis,” Dakota said. “From problem solving skills to math skills to communication skills, I have learned a lot. The experience has helped me at Price Chopper, where I work as a cashier, and will continue to help me as I transition from high school to college and ultimately the real world.”
Congratulations to Dakota Sill on being named student manager of the Bulldog Bookstore!