The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club will begin running the concession stand of all home basketball double-headers and boys basketball games starting on Jan. 16.

     Food sales were previously run by basketball parents having to work in the concession stand during the game.

     “Having been a parent who had to run the concession stand, I was always frustrated because I couldn’t watch my kid play,” P-T teacher and FBLA sponsor Christina Wukich said. “I think it will be nice for parents to now be able to enjoy their kids and their sports.”

     The money raised will benefit students attending the annual FBLA State Competition in Hershey later this year. Depending on how many students advance, Wukich estimates costs to be between $10,000 to $15,000.

     Sophomore FBLA representative Andrea Laskey is leading the project. Laskey organized the donation of foods, created the schedule and is in charge of sales.

      “I wanted her to have some experience with leadership in a different way, and she already has experience with working a restaurant,” Wukich said. “Understanding the importance of cleanliness and organization are an important part of running the concession stand.”

     The opportunity arose after the boys basketball boosters reached out, asking if FBLA would be interested. The club accepted the business opportunity.

     “You’re going to have to de-escalate situations if customers are upset or impatient and manage sales. It’s a good learning opportunity,” Laskey said.

     FBLA members volunteering will earn community service hours

     “We want to see that they are tracking inventory, managing a schedule, making sure that they’re responsible for their shifts and reporting back on daily inventory at the end of their shift,” Wukich added.