By Mairin Hoffman ’25
Over the summer, the once-small school store was transformed into a new walk-in space with brand-new Gunn merchandise and exquisite dressing rooms. Since the retirement of Ms. Doody, the previous school store director, the space was transformed into a larger space with supplies that the Highlanders need. This includes fans to keep students cool in hot weather, various food selections for a wide range of students, school supplies for last-minute needs, and various kinds of new merch and gadgets.
Along with the new store is the new school store manager, Ms. Szarlan-Baltrush. Ms. Szarlan-Baltrush is from the Western Massachusetts area but lives in Torrington, CT. She joined the FGS community because she felt it was tight-knit and inclusive. “The passion and energy of students and teachers here are inspiring and beautiful to me. The Highlander community is so friendly and welcoming.”
After a long history of retail work and the theft that was involved, Ms. Szarlan-Baltrush wanted to focus on the people part of a retail job. She expresses her excitement for the upcoming year and what it offers. “I can’t wait to attend the upcoming plays, concerts, and student art events. I don’t know if you are aware of this, but you also have the best trees!” Lastly, her favorite item sold at the school store is “the blue coffee mug that says, “A good person is always learning.”
New items sold at the school store are brand-new Under Armour hoodies and shirts and brand-new sweatshirts, raincoats, and sweatpants. New school supplies repping Gunn are also available for last-minute needs, and multiple Gunn gadgets are available for phones and more. The new school store is a great space to show all that the Frederick Gunn School has to offer for the students and helps students express their love for their home away from home, The Frederick Gunn School. So take a visit and take in all the school spirit.
