The Art Cart Cafe offers morning energy to West Potomac students and staff every Thursday and Friday morning. Located in the Springbank Connector by the stairwell outside of the Cafeteria, the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) sets up shop from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.
The Cart’s main purpose is to raise money for the NAHS and cover expenses for the program.
“The funds will go to our field trips and personal excursions, as well as service projects and our educational needs,” Emery Mounts, Vice President of NAHS, said.
A range of beverages are offered at the Cart, including Celsius energy drinks, Starbucks Frappuccino bottles, freshly brewed coffee, and a selection of tea to pick from. Natalie Ruppe, President of NAHS, explains the inspiration behind the cafe on wheels.
“I got inspired because my friends go to Starbucks every morning. I would personally love a drink before class, I thought everyone else might too,” Ruppe said.
Honor Society members have enjoyed running the cart, other than being required to arrive at the building at 7:15 to set up. Selling times can’t run during instructional hours, so before school is the only option. Despite the short shifts, the Cart has been largely a success.
“We’ve had a lot of business and we’ve sold out of coffees and other items… so things are going well,” Mounts said.
The students have plans to expand the Art Cart by including new seasonal drinks, and Ruppe also mentions the possibility of selling original art made by other art students. This includes pins, custom buttons, sticker packs, and greeting cards.
The Art Cart’s success has also provided great publicity for the NAHS. “We’re the first National Art Honor Society at West Po in more than 10 years,” Mounts explained. “We started at the end of last year, this is our first official year, and we’re hoping that we can gain more members through the years.”
