A big part of Spartanburg High School (SHS) is its active Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). The PTO is a group of parents and teachers who work together to support and enhance the educational experience for students. While the PTO president, Sarah Zemp, typically plans events around holidays, special school occasions and Teacher Appreciation Week, this year she wanted to try something new for the spring.
To end the year on a strong note, the SHS PTO is hosting its first-ever Vikings Vendor Market on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event was scheduled for late April to avoid conflicts with spring break and Easter weekend. The market will feature over 40 vendors inside the school and 10 food trucks outside, providing a variety of shopping and dining experiences for attendees.
Alexis Brown (10) frequently donates to and participates in PTO events and will be hosting a vendor table at the market.
“My reasoning for joining the PTO vendor market was for the opportunity. I think it proposes a wonderful chance to practice my entrepreneurship skills,” Brown said. “At my table, I will have handmade jewelry at affordable prices. I would like to let students know that my business, Lexfit, is dedicated to crafting unique, high-quality jewelry that empowers self-expression, and I’m grateful to have a place at our school to showcase my small business.”
A variety of items will be available for purchase at the market, with updates shared on the event’s Facebook page leading up to the event. Some products include handmade jewelry, candles, sweetgrass baskets, tallow-based products, handcrafted wood items and sweet treats. Local representatives for Paparazzi, Scentsy and Mary Kay will also be present, along with some local boutiques.
Leendsy Hernandez-Esquivel (9) was encouraged by her mother to join the PTO and get more involved with the school. She will also have a table at the market alongside her mom.
“Parents and students should come look at the things that will be sold from small businesses because everything is unique, and it’s a great way to support those small businesses,” Hernandez-Esquivel said. “I will have eternal bouquets, and my mom will be selling individual portions of desserts like Tres Leches cake and Choco-Flan cake.”
Admission to the market is free, but donations to the SHS PTO are appreciated to support their mission of enhancing the school experience for students, faculty and staff. If the event is successful and well-received, the PTO hopes to add a fall festival vendor market next school year.
Parent Tiffany Ortega, the SHS Director of Fundraising, is overseeing the market and said the concept was inspired by one of the PTO members.
“The Vikings Vendor Market was an idea from one of our PTO moms who has participated in similar markets in the past, which showcase local vendors and bring a fun shopping experience to the community,” Ortega said. “Our vendors include students, parents, retired teachers, alumni and current faculty and staff. The market is a fundraiser for the PTO to support our mission to enhance the school experience for our students, faculty and staff.”
