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The check presentation drew together students, advisors, school administrators, a county legislator, and Food Bank of the Southern Tier representatives.

WGHS's Dub-G Market receives $9,400 donation from the school's Hawk House

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 30, 2025 -- One student-run food organization at Watkins Glen High School presented a check for $9,400 to another such group Thursday in a ceremony at the school.

The Hawk House, an in-house snack shack that raises funds throughout the year for an array of student activities, provided the check -- a percentage of its earnings -- to the Dub-G Market, a food bank for students, their families and other community members that is located in a room down the hall.

The Dub-G Market, which got its start through a 2023 grant from the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, has grown from humble beginnings -- as has the Hawk House -- to provide sustenance to anyone, basically, who needs it. Its facility, about midway between the high school and district offices, boasts a couple of large freezers and a range of foods that students can access throughout the day -- taking home whatever might be needed in this time of food insecurity.

Both the Hawk House and Dub-G Market are staffed by students, an effort incorporated into the school's work-based learning initiatives. While they don't get paid, the students -- ones in good standing with the school -- can earn credits toward graduation.

School Superintendent Kai D'Alleva said the Hawk House, whose advisor is longtime teacher Kaz Popovich, "really hit its stride last year" after going through growing pains following its 2022 launch. It is located across the hallway from the high school office in what used to be the School Resource Officer's office.

The Dub-G Market -- devised in 2023 in partnership with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier and under the leadership of teacher and advisor Amy Planty -- was designed to negate any stigma that might come with food insecurity. "Hence the term 'market,'" said D'Alleva. "The goal is to get food to the student body" in ways that do not compete with federally funded lunches. "We call it a store, which it is, but nobody is charged for what they take." All that is required is word as to how many people the food is going to serve.

The program has grown to include deliveries to a number of community residents, and an effort is underway to incorporate health-related items into its offerings. With donations of funds and non-perishable goods, and deliveries by the Food Bank, the Dub-G Market has been striving toward sustainability, a plateau that -- with continued support from the Hawk House -- might well be achieved.

"We're not saying they'll be able to donate as much money every year," said D'Alleva, but the donations are expected to continue.

On hand Thursday was Mark Bordeau, President and CEO of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, who said: "What we are celebrating today is the incredible leadership of Watkins Glen students -- young people who are learning, creating and giving back to their own community in powerful ways.

"The $9,400 raised by the Hawk House will help provide the equivalent of 28,200 meals to families across this community. That's an incredible contribution coming directly from students."

According to Popovich, there are a little over 20 students working in various capacities and on various shifts at the Hawk House. According to the two student officers of the Dub-G Market on hand Thursday to thank the Hawk House -- treasurer Ryan Dean and secretary Rachel Vickio -- there are about 20 students working at the Market. Many, said D'Alleva, are members of the National Honor Society or National Junior Honor Society.

Present from the Hawk House, in additon to Popovich, were students Amelie Woods, Amy Field and Paige Ells. On hand from the Schuyler County Legislature was Legislator Laurence Jaynes.

In promoting the check presentation, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier said in a press release that "the event will spotlight how the district has created a self-funding model through its student-run business, the Hawk House, which donates proceeds to help sustain the (Dub-G Market's) work in supporting local families."

The relationship between the two student-run organizations, it added, could serve as "a model for other schools seeking long-term, student-led solutions to food insecurity."

Photos in text:

Top: Looking from the doorway into the Dub-G Market.
Middle: Sign on the Dub-G Market door.
Bottom: Food Bank of the Southern Tier President and CEO Mark Bordeau.

A view from the entrance into the Hawk House, run by students.