DECA named the Monarch Market, the student-run school store at Meadowbrook High, an outstanding school-based enterprise for 2025-26. Across the country, only 989 school-based enterprises earned this gold-level certification — and fewer than that achieved a perfect score as the Monarch Market did.
To earn DECA’s highest level of certification, Meadowbrook seniors Chandler Randolph and Jennifer Nunez developed a comprehensive, 50-page business manual detailing standard operating procedures for the Monarch Market. DECA chapter adviser Kristen Wettstein said, “I could not be more proud of their hard work and accomplishments this year.” Chandler and Jennifer now have the opportunity to represent Meadowbrook at the DECA International Career Development Conference and present on the selling and promotional aspects of the Monarch Market.
Part of the Academy for Developing Entrepreneurs specialty center, the Monarch Market helps students learn to run a business and boosts school spirit. Open during Friday lunches, the kiosk sells spirit wear like T-shirts, pins, bags and stickers. The most popular items are a Monarch Nation pink tee, hoodies, crewnecks and lion keychains. This school year, sales have grossed $5,000 through February. Meadowbrook’s school store has been supported by innovation grants from the Chesterfield Education Foundation, which covered the cost of kiosks and technology to manage payments and inventory.
DECA is a career and technical student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs with a career interest in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. The Meadowbrook chapter has 60 members, who staff the Monarch Market, participate in competitive DECA events and undertake community service projects including a food drive and sock collection.