Vending

Missouri high schoolers recognized for vending savvy

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March 4, 2026

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At Lindbergh High School in St. Louis, marketing teacher Sarah Pincus emphasizes hands-on learning, giving four seniors the opportunity to operate a real-world School-Based Enterprise: a vending machine located in the school.

Students Josh Frantti, Austin Jones, Thomas Shamia, and Alexa Parrott manage the business as part of Pincus' internship class, according to a Call Newspapers report, gaining practical experience in entrepreneurship while working in the halls of their own high school. Their efforts recently earned national recognition from DECA, an international organization focused on business and leadership development.

The students' work extends far beyond simply restocking snacks. After purchasing a new vending machine, which was paid off within eight months, the team took on full operational responsibility. They handle inventory ordering and tracking for district audits, manage monthly cash-flow statements, deposit proceeds, complete deposit reports and oversee day-to-day business operations.

Their comprehensive report documenting these activities was one of 19 in Missouri to receive national certification from DECA this year, and Lindbergh was among only two schools in the St. Louis area to earn the distinction.

Two of the students will travel to Atlanta in April to present part of their project at the international competition and attend a small-business workshop. Pincus said the internship provides valuable experiences beyond the classroom, helping students explore potential career paths while developing practical business skills.