By Lyonel Doherty

A group of students at Southern Okanagan Secondary School can’t help but get on teachers’ good side.

No, they’re not finishing all of their homework, they’re delivering coffee and tea to teachers’ classrooms every day.

Introducing “Beany Business,” a new program that’s taking off at SOSS and making several special education students quite proud.

Program coordinator Nicky Adam came up with the idea after seeing a similar one elsewhere. She pitched the idea to Principal Tracy Harrington who thought it was an “amazing” opportunity for the students, who are now referred to as baristas (coffee makers).

Adam said because teachers don’t get morning breaks anymore, having coffee delivered to their classrooms is a real treat.

French teacher Kristin Arnason couldn’t agree more.

“Just having someone deliver a beverage to you in the middle of the day when you’re tired and busy, it’s just so wonderful.”

She likes the fact there’s a bonus – if you buy 10 you get one free.

Brothers Brody and Camryn Pister are the main baristas, who are becoming quite popular among the teachers.

“It’s a lot of fun and it’s a nice thing to do,” said Brody, who’s learning how to make good coffee.

Camryn agreed, adding that it’s a “cool” program to be involved in.

Adam said her students are not only learning how to make coffee but also learning customer service, communication skills, independence and pre-employment skills.

“I think it’s a real important program helping to prepare them for life after school; the real world.”

The baristas started their training in September and are now taking charge of the delivery service, which has its own trolley.

“Already I’m seeing lots of growth in my students; they’re becoming much more independent through this program,” Adam said.

For example, one day she wasn’t in her classroom and the students had everything set up and ready to go without her.

Adam said the cups they use for the coffee and tea are biodegradable because they are made from rice husks.

“We didn’t want to provide a coffee service where we are throwing away paper cups,” she pointed out.

Brody and Camryn said they feel good about helping the environment.

Adam said the boys are very passionate about this topic. She noted the class has been involved in various service-learning projects that have raised money (more than $600) for the local owl rehabilitation centre, AlleyCATS Alliance and even whales in the Vancouver Aquarium.

What will the students think of next?

Just wait and see.