Creative Blends, a student-run business at Coal City High School, has expanded its morning menu to include dirty sodas. The addition is part of an effort by the Transitions Class to offer new beverage options and give students experience in running a small business.
A dirty soda is made with soda and ice, flavored syrups, and cream. The concept began in Utah around 2010 and has since grown to include many flavor variations. At Creative Blends, staff and students tested different combinations before settling on four flavors: Raspberry Cream, Orange Creamsicle, Peaches and Cream, and Coconut Dr. Pepper.
Instructor Sarah Bell explained the motivation for the menu expansion: “We wanted to do something to upgrade Creative Blends beyond coffee.” She added that as students developed their skills, it was time to try something new.
Students involved in Creative Blends have taken on various roles such as barista, accountant, order processor, delivery person, and inventory manager. They also participate in budgeting and shopping for supplies. Hannah, one of the student baristas, said that being part of the team is one of the best parts of her day.
Coal City English instructor Traci Fritz regularly orders from Creative Blends. She said she enjoys Raspberry Cream dirty soda every Monday and Friday while choosing raspberry hot cocoa on other days.
The program not only offers drinks but also helps students build skills they can use outside school. Next month’s plans include a holiday-themed line of dirty sodas inspired by seasonal flavors.
Creative Blends serves faculty and staff each weekday morning at prices set at $3 for dirty sodas and $1 for coffee, tea or cocoa.
Coal City High School is part of Coal City Community Unit School District 1 which includes schools across Grundy and Will counties such as Coal City Early Childhood Center, Elementary School, Intermediate School, Middle School, and High School (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). According to state data from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), the district employs 153 teachers who earn an average salary of $69,297; about 78 percent are women (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). The district’s student population is approximately 87 percent White with smaller percentages identifying as Hispanic or Asian (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In 2020 spending per student was $21,619 for a total expenditure over $47 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
