TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A Terre Haute North Senior was awarded a $1,000 scholarship on Wednesday in recognition of his hard work and dedication to the school’s Patriot Cafe program.

Gabriel Pendleton was presented with a large check at the school’s media center on Wednesday afternoon due to his involvement with the Patriot Cafe. What once started as a class project for Ms. Becky Bendickson’s business class as a small coffee cart has grown into a full cafe that offers various items like coffee, soda, and energy drinks. 

“So we went from a small, little coffee cart that meets my waist, to we are now in a full size, I guess you could call it a facility. We have a coffee bar and we have two refrigerators, all different kinds of product. And now we’re working with organizations like the Dance Marathon and the Terre Haute Student Council to sort of fund what needs to be funded because unfortunately, the school, cannot, can’t fund everything,” Pendleton said. 

The Patriot Cafe has donated funds to several local organizations throughout the area including foster care programs, the Special Olympics, and more.

“We’re not staying stagnant, we’re introducing new things. We are currently meeting with the Little Bear Company to see if we can get more product in and just really kind of making sure that I’m pushing it as hard and as fast as I can in my short time that I’m here managing,” Pendleton said. 

With Pendleton being so involved in the program, Bendickson took note of his efforts.

“It was really important to me that people see who Gabriel really is and what he gives of himself each and every day and he is so selfless and so was his sister. I think that came from his parents. But they are so selfless and giving of themselves. They’re always giving to other kids,” Bendickson said. 

Several teachers and school officials were involved in the presentation of the scholarship including Mr. Brett Taylor, Mr. Jasen Gibbens, Mrs. Brittney Hardy, Mrs. Michelle Foster, Mr. Steve Joseph, and Mr. Scott Moore.

“All of the teachers mentioned earlier have been involved in this scholarship process in one way or another. Mr. Gibbens has created the plaque, Mrs. Higgins created the big check, Mrs. Foster informed me of the trip and has been instrumental in discussions about making it possible for Gabriel to attend this trip,” Bendickson said. 

The funds will go towards a class trip to France that students will take during Spring Break.