Buzzing with Potential: The Hornet Brew Café and Scotlandville’s Student Entrepreneurs

Last week marked The Walls Project Culture Club’s official launch of Hornet Brew Café at Scotlandville Magnet High School, and the buzz is already undeniable. But this isn’t just another high school coffee stand. It’s a fully student-powered initiative that’s serving up more than lattes and cappuccinos. It’s building confidence, creativity, leadership, and an entrepreneurial spirit that’s energizing the entire campus.

This exciting project was made possible through a grant from the Academic Distinction Fund (ADF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing public education by funding innovative programs in Baton Rouge area schools. Thanks to ADF’s support, students at Scotlandville have had the opportunity to bring their vision for a student-run business to life, turning classroom concepts into a functioning café where learning happens in real time.

What makes Hornet Brew Café special is the depth of student involvement. From the beginning, Scotlandville students have been in charge. They didn’t just show up to pour drinks. They built the brand from scratch. Everything from choosing the name and designing the logo to crafting the menu and setting up the café space was done by students with guidance from faculty mentors.

In running Hornet Brew, students are gaining real-world business skills that go far beyond what’s taught in textbooks. Inventory management, customer service, budgeting, marketing, teamwork, and time management are part of their daily responsibilities. Whether they’re managing the morning rush before first period or promoting new drink specials on social media, these students are learning by doing.

“It was really helpful with his personal story… Like, if I really plan out my business and work hard the first few years, I can retire and enjoy my life.” Erik P., Culture Club Student

To celebrate the grand opening and inspire even more student entrepreneurs, The Walls Project Culture Club invited Justin Burnett, a local business owner to speak on campus. Burnett shared his personal journey, from the early days of hustle and uncertainty to building a successful Black-owned diner, Dearman’s Diner. It was an honest and motivating conversation that gave students a better understanding of what it takes to run a business.

Justin Burnett, Dearman’s Diner; “I’m extremely appreciative of [The Walls Project] for allowing me and trusting me with an open floor conversation with the kids. It was therapeutic for me…”

The opening day of the café felt more like a community celebration than a typical school event. Espresso machines hummed while students and staff lined up to try signature drinks created by the student team. Teachers and administrators showed up to support the launch, and there was a noticeable buzz of excitement in the air. Students are loving their new on-campus cafe and are even more excited and prepared for their futures.

Beyond coffee, Hornet Brew is becoming a hub for collaboration and creativity on campus. It’s bringing together students from different grades and backgrounds, creating opportunities for mentorship, teamwork, and shared leadership. The café space is quickly becoming a go-to spot where ideas are exchanged over mugs of hot chocolate or iced lattes.

Looking ahead, the Hornet Brew team is already planning what’s next. The Hornet’s Brew has plans to expand the hours of operation and the student-led staff for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.

Hornet Brew Café is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee. It’s a hands-on learning experience, a source of pride, and a launchpad for future entrepreneurs. And thanks to the support of the Academic Distinction Fund, students at Scotlandville aren’t waiting for the “real world” to begin. They’re building it right now, one cup at a time.