Ridgewood Student-Run Store Gets Gold For 'Outstanding Achievement'

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — A store operated by Ridgewood High School students achieved a gold-level recertification, school officials said.

The Maroon Mart, a school-based enterprise (SBE) that sells snacks, quarter-zip shirts and hoodies to raise money for a student business club, earned the highest level of certification for the 2022-23 school year.

One of 461 student-managed enterprises to achieve the gold recertification, the Maroon Mart uses a physical store and online platform to raise money for a school club where students develop business acumen to prepare for college and careers.

The Mart will be recognized at a professional development conference held in April by DECA (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America), the international association that awards SBEs certification for "outstanding achievement."

DECA Chief Program Officer Christopher Young said DECA helps students learn in a practical laboratory and translate that learning into meaningful outcomes.

“These DECA members are practicing important workplace readiness skills," Young added.

To apply for recertification, Ridgewood DECA student members and Maroon Mart advisor Tim Murtha submitted documentation that explained how the SBE demonstrates the practice of marketing and retail standards. A review committee evaluated the documentation to determine the level of certification.

“The SBE at Ridgewood High School has operated for more than 25 years and is to be commended for this achievement,” Murtha said.