On any given school day at Hershey High School, Trojan pride is easy to spot. It shows up on sweatshirts, T-shirts, hats, and spirit wear worn in hallways, at games, and around town. Behind many of those items is the Trojan Trading Post, a student-run business that has grown from a classroom idea into a beloved part of the Derry Township School District community.

     Guided by business education teacher Mike Gustantino, the Trojan Trading Post began on January 20, 2009, with the first Accounting 3 class at Hershey High School. In its earliest days, students raised startup funds by selling “stock” to faculty members, parents, and administrators. The store started simply, offering candy, gum, and school supplies. Since then, it has evolved into a full line of DTSD spirit wear—and a hands-on learning lab for students
interested in business.

     For students enrolled in Accounting 3, the Trojan Trading Post is more than a class project. Every student plays a role in keeping the business moving. They are divided into teams such as Accounting, Social Media, Operations, Marketing, and Stockholder Relations, each responsible for weekly tasks that support the store’s growth. Like any real business, the Trojan Trading Post has faced its share of challenges. In its second year, the Accounting 3 class nearly did not run because only nine students had enrolled. Gustantino taught the class simultaneously with Accounting 1, a difficult setup that required flexibility and persistence. Years later, the program has grown dramatically; in the 2025–2026 school year, the class reached 31 students, the largest Gustantino has taught.

     There have also been practical hurdles, including government restrictions and school-day regulations on food-related products. Rather than letting those limits slow them down, students have learned to adapt. They research products that meet requirements, appeal to their peers, and fit the store’s goals—a real-world lesson in problem-solving, compliance, and creativity. The TTP spirit wear is a visible reminder of school pride, and the store’s reach now extends far beyond Pennsylvania, including California, North Carolina, Colorado, and Florida—proof that, as the program proudly says, “Trojan Pride Never Dies.”

     But the TTP’s mission goes deeper than apparel. 100% of the store’s profits support the Trojan Trading Post Scholarship, awarded to students pursuing business at the college level. Since its founding, the program has provided more than $56,000 in scholarships. During its first year, the scholarship totaled $250. In the 2025–2026 school year, that number reached a record $14,500. Every purchase represents more than a shirt or sweatshirt—it is an investment in students, future business leaders, and the pride of the Hershey community.

     The next chapter is already taking shape. The 2026–2027 line is expected to be the largest the Trojan Trading Post has ever unveiled. Students have also begun stepping into the spotlight as models for TTP merchandise, a move that has made online advertising feel more personal, realistic, and connected to the school community.

     At its heart, the Trojan Trading Post is a lesson in possibility. It shows students that running a business takes patience, teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn from challenges. For Gustantino, the most rewarding part is seeing the direct connection between student involvement and community support.