By Bradlee Dowling, ’26

Staff Writer

At the heart of Hanover High School is a hub of hard-working students dedicated to serving the school community with warm baked goods and coffee: Cedar Street Café. This beloved café has a unique origin story: for many years, students in the RISE and POST programs have been making treats to sell to teachers at Cedar School. About three years ago, HHS Principal Mr. Mattos approved bringing the operation here, where its weekly shop has flourished.

The RISE and POST programs at HHS work with special needs students from ages 14-22 on academics, life skills and social/communication skills. The programs are run by Mr. O’Hare and Ms. Melone, assisted by a team of paraprofessionals who help tailor learning to each student’s needs. Ms. Mann and Ms. Drinkwater, the paras helping run the cafe on a recent visit, explained that the goal is to teach students about handling money and providing excellent customer service. They also shared that their favorite aspect of the café is the interaction between the students and their peers.

Students and teachers in the RISE and POST programs typically shop for the week on Mondays and bake the treats on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. When Thursday comes around, three students manage the café out of room 111. One takes orders, another prepares the coffee and packs baked goods, and the third handles transactions. As a student myself, I can confidently say that Cedar Street Café brings joy to everyone’s day. The moment the announcement is made over the loudspeaker, half the class rushes to the café. When they return, they’re all smiles, carrying delicious treats.

Now, you’re probably wondering what’s on the menu. Ms. Mann says that the blueberry cake and coffee cake are not only her personal favorites but also a fan favorite among students. However, the café offers so much more: cookies, lemon cake, pumpkin bread, coffee, blondie brownies, regular brownies and sugar cookies have been up for sale. One thing everyone knows about Cedar Street Café is its love for seasonal treats! In the fall, they serve pumpkin-flavored goodies; in the winter, they offer holiday cookies and hot chocolate; and in the spring, lemon bread becomes the go-to treat.

The café is always looking for new ideas, and the teachers encourage students to share suggestions. If you have a specific treat in mind, submit your ideas using the Google Form linked below! Keep in mind, the café operates as cash-only to give students valuable hands-on experience in handling money and practicing essential math skills.

Cedar Street Café is more than just a place to grab a snack—it’s a bright spot in the day for students and staff alike, and a cornerstone of our school community.

To submit suggestions on items to offer: https://forms.gle/Jrkrjr5qD4hP5Ys36