A new meeting place has been created right in the heart of Woodgrove: Walter’s Cafe. Since September 12, 2025, it has offered students a place to relax, work, and enjoy themselves– all in a true coffee shop atmosphere.
The idea for Walter’s Cafe was born about a year ago. In preparation for the creation of Walter’s Cafe, teachers like Mr. Lyle Fultz visited other school’s cafes across the county. “We kind of checked out how they work and how they operate. You know, what they did as far as what they provided and what kind of products they were making,” explained Fultz. This helped the team gather inspiration and ensure that all guidelines were followed, such as avoiding sugary drinks or sweets. After several discussions with the school administration, the green light to the project was given in April 2025. Thanks to a small grant from the county and additional revenue from the school market, the cafe was able to be implemented.
While it is a great place for a coffee and a snack, it is also part of the transition program for students with disabilities who are being prepared for life after graduation. “I’m proud of how all the students that work there, how well they did their work, and how beneficial it’s been already,” reported Fultz. At Woodgrove, disabled students are presented with many opportunities to learn key job skills. At Walter’s Cafe, students are able to learn how to work in customer service implement, hygiene standards, and use the card terminal, as the cafe only accepts credit cards.
To ensure smooth operations, clear rules are applied to students attending the cafe. Only students from study hall with an E-Hall pass and bright green lanyards are allowed to visit the cafe. As a study hall supervisor, one of Mr. Andrew Robertson’s responsibility is confirming passes for students who want to go to the bathroom, the library, visit a teacher or go to Walter’s Cafe. “The kids are excited about the cafe and to have that opportunity,” Robertson explained. “When we are making passes at the beginning of the block I definitely think there is some excitement to go to the cafe.”
Not only does Walter’s Cafe provide access to students for food and drink, but it also is about community and lived inclusion for the workers. Transition Job Coach, Julia Shackelford accompanies the students in their work and witnesses how they support one another every day. She is particularly impressed by the open and respectful atmosphere. “It’s very rewarding for me to see the joy on their faces when they’re helping each other, because these students don’t see any disability in anyone. They love each other, and they support each other,” said Shackelford. For her, the cafe is a place where team spirit and solidarity are more important than any cup of coffee.
One of the partners that work in the cafe is senior Liam McKinley, who usually works there during fourth block. He particularly enjoys working with customers, which to him is similar to working at a supermarket checkout, as he greets the guests, takes their order, processes the payment, and wishes them a nice day. “Usually, I am at the window asking customers what they want, and I usually fill up the drinks,” explained McKinley.
For sophomore Rae Thomas, her first time visiting Walter’s Cafe with four of her friends, and inspired her plan to go every Friday as an outcome. “I really like their caramel iced coffee,” Thomas expressed, “but I also tried my friend’s sweet tea, and it was also really good.” Having previously participated in Unified Sports, Thomas recognizes many of the students working in the cafe and appreciates the atmosphere that it brings to the school and study hall. “I think that it gives it a very positive vibe here and something to do other than school work,” Thomas stated.
Although Walter’s Cafe has only just recently made its debut at Woodgrove High School, it has already greatly impacted the atmosphere of study hall for students and expanded opportunities for disabled students to grow into becoming experienced workers. Walter’s Cafe not only employs students from the Special Education program, but also students who serve as mentors and partners. In the second semester of this school year, the opportunity to work as a mentor in the cafe will be open to everyone, which will inspire students across the school to become further connected and involved with one another. One thing is for certain: Walter’s Cafe brings a whole “latte” love to Woodgrove.