By Corey Seth
Ag Business Management Correspondent
Lemonade & Learning: A Taste of Real-World Business
On a sunny afternoon during 5th and 6th period lunches, the lunchroom at Southern High School transformed into a pop-up market as students from Ms. Meeks’ Ag Business Management class launched their own lemonade stands.
The event wasn’t just about quenching thirst—it was about applying classroom lessons to real-world scenarios. From pricing and budgeting to customer engagement and competition, students ran every part of their mini-businesses.
Unique Business Concepts
Each student took a different approach to their lemonade operation.
Cali O'Brien served fresh-squeezed lemonade made with real lemons, attracting customers looking for a homemade option.
“I wanted mine to be all-natural,” said O'Brien. “People appreciated that it was real, not from a powder or bottle.”
Anthoney Whobrey stood out with his Country Time pink lemonade, pairing a familiar flavor with retro-style presentation to boost appeal.
“The color caught people’s eye and made them stop,” Whobrey explained.
Zach Thomas and Dylan Haye focused on efficiency and energy, using store-bought lemonade to cut down prep time and create a fun, fast-paced stand experience.
“We wanted it to be about the vibe—music, fun, and good energy,” said Thomas.
Hannah Turley added a fruity twist by using fresh-cut strawberries and lemons to create a refreshing, vibrant drink that stood out for its flavor and appearance. Her stand was decorated with bright, cheerful colors that matched her upbeat brand.
“The strawberries made it special,” Turley said. “And I think the project really helped us understand financial skills—how much you spend and how much you can make back.”
Pricing & Budgeting
Pricing strategies varied by team, based on their product and costs.
O'Brien charged $2 per cup, keeping it simple while still earning a profit.
Whobrey charged $1, leveraging the visual appeal and popularity of pink lemonade.
“Students can afford a dollar drink, while I still make a profit,” Whobrey said.
Thomas and Haye set their price at $2, aiming for volume over high margins.
Turley priced hers at $2 as well, factoring in the cost of fresh fruit and presentation.
All groups tracked their expenses and earnings, learning how to manage a real budget and calculate profit margins.
Marketing and Customer Engagement
Marketing strategies included posters and live interactions.
Thomas and Haye brought energy, engaging directly with customers and drawing a crowd.
Whobrey’s stand was styled with a bright pink sign and retro props like red solo cups to match the nostalgic feel.
O'Brien kept it clean and professional, aligning with her all-natural brand.
“I made sure everything matched my brand—fresh, simple, and classic,” O'Brien said.
Turley used colorful decorations and a visually appealing setup to attract students.
“It had to look as good as it tasted,” she said.
Customer Feedback & Observations
“Cali’s lemonade tasted like something from a farmer’s market—super fresh,” said Skyler, a junior.
“Anthoney’s pink lemonade was sweet and refreshing,” said John, a junior.
“Zach and Dylan made it fun—they had a good sense of humor, said another student.
Students learned quickly how important customer experience is in determining success.
Supply & Demand Challenges
There were lessons in supply management, too.
Whobrey stayed fully stocked but noted the prep and cleanup took more time than expected.
O'Brien faced the challenge of squeezing lemons in bulk before lunch started.
Turley had to carefully prepare her strawberries and lemons in advance to stay efficient.
Key Takeaways from the Experience
Each student team faced different challenges but all walked away with valuable insights. Whether it was learning how to budget, market, or compete for customers, the project delivered real business experience.
Ms. Meeks was proud of the students’ performance and growth.
Conclusion: Business Lessons in Every Sip
The lemonade stand project gave Ag Business students more than a taste of entrepreneurship—it offered real insight into planning, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Hannah Turley’s stand.
Cali O'Briens Stand 
Anthony Whobrey’s stand
Dylan Haye and Zach Thomas’ Stand
Interview Source List
Cali O'Brien
Zach Thomas & Dylan Haye
Anthoney Whobrey
Skyler Allen
John Scott
Ms. Meeks
Hannah Turley