Tiger’s Den approaching 10-year anniversary after a decade of hard work

The Tiger’s Den continues to make students’ and staffs’ mornings after being open for around 10 years.

From the humble beginnings in 2014 originally starting out as a student lounge, to when, in 2015, The Tiger’s Den became its own little coffee shop, the popular hangout holds a special place in many students’ and staffs’ hearts, with countless people finding themselves returning every morning for their favorite menu items all while catching up with friends. As the end of the year leading to 2025 approaches, The Tiger’s Den and its staff finish the first half of the school year at the new building with overall continued success that has been going on for about 10 years. 

“For a project students had decided what they would like in the high school building, and a coffee shop was something they were interested in. The principal at the time, Rich Powers, approached Mrs. Walsworth and I, and he asked if we could help run it,” special education teacher Bridget Bakula said.

Each morning Walsworth and Bakula open The Tiger’s Den at around 7:25 as student volunteers come in to start operations for the morning. The money The Tiger’s Den makes every day with the help of its student volunteers goes back to the school and The Tiger’s Den itself. Clubs are also able to ask for donations from the Tiger’s Den. 

These students take different shifts each class period until the end of Tiger Time in which the Tiger’s Den closes for the day. Students that are involved in this program receive work experience stocking, working the register and handing out passes for the office, with some even running The Tiger’s Den as managers.

“When you go to register for classes it’s not there as the student will usually talk to us first before getting approved,” Walsworth, a co-runner for The Tiger’s Den, said. “A student typically also needs to have a 504 or an IEP to sign up to receive the work credit,” Bakula added.

Students who work there also say they have a very positive work experience. Xavier Conlin, a current staff member at The Tiger’s Den, said, “You get to interact with a lot of students, every single day. Certain students also come around at certain times, so you know what you’re going to get them. It gives you a sense of community.” 

Sophomore Bryce Debord, another staff member at The Tiger’s Den, said, “The conditions are relatively calm. We all play a certain role to maintain efficiency and make sure everything is stocked and cleaned at the end of the day. There are several options for students to choose from, and there are many things that students would commonly want there.”

The new space at the high school provides a big upgrade for The Den’s Staff. This new space allows them to be more prevalent. The new funding has also allowed them to purchase new machines, replacing the older outdated ones they originally used. 

With all these things in mind, the staff at The Tiger’s Den hope to continue to prosper in the years to come, with hardworking staff continuing to help serve students and staf’ their favorite drinks and snacks.