Student run coffee shop celebrates 5-year anniversary

FREDONIA, Kan. (KOAM) - Student run coffee shop is celebrating five years in business.

'The Hive' which originally held its grand opening in 2019 is now celebrating its fifth year in business. The shop is run and operated by the students of Fredonia, with kids from grade seven to graduating seniors all contributing.

The teacher sponsor for The Hive, Barb Baker, brought the idea to life to originally help students with disabilities. After some reworking the idea was then changed to include all students and the Hive was brought to life.

Now, every morning, over the past five years students have created a staple for the community.

Some students have been with The Hive since the beginning and are now have their eyes set on graduation, but Senior Brynna Harvey says this place has become her second home over the past five years.

"I feel like I've given most of my life to being at the Hive and coming up with new ideas as you know, I eye in the drawer every day. So I'm here a lot," said Harvey.

Now there are lessons she has learned that she hopes younger students carry on.

"Probably the biggest thing or would be like no matter what somebody is going through. You should always greet them at the door. Because it could be anybody's last day and just one smile wave. Hello. Good morning. Knowing their name and knowing what they like to drink just can just change somebody's life," said Harvey.

Now younger students like Hunter Kebert have some big shoes to fill but he says he is already looking towards the future.

"None of my families ever been to college, so I kind of wanted to be the first," said Kebert.

A future he says 'The Hive' will help him achieve.

Baker says she hopes to see 'The Hive' continue to thrive for years to come even when it comes time for her to move on as a teacher. In fact, she says it will especially with student like Hunter leading the way.

For more of our top stories click here.

COPYRIGHT 2024 BY KOAM NEWS NOW. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.