A school store can be a fundamentally essential, eminently practical and immeasurably social hub in its academic community. On the shelves there is, of course, the necessary inventory of uniform items coupled with all manner of other interesting logo merchandise, such as sweat shirts and pants, t-shirts, socks, shorts, hats and mugs. But the most essential commodity in the school store is the profound sense of connection among the entire school community—students, faculty, parents and staff. This sense of inclusion and familiarity was the motivational key to afford the John Carroll students the chance to select the new name for the latest iteration of the store. A school-wide contest was held, and the students’ voice was heard. The school store is now the “Patriots’ Corner,” the name created by two members of our senior class: Brianna George, and Kirsten Kyburz (pictured left).
