On April 30-31 special education teacher Joshua Zupon’s class held a bake sale during the middle and high school lunches to benefit Autism Speaks, a national organization that funds autism awareness and outreach.

The bake sale raised $730.54.

“This is a staggering amount of money. Selling everything for 50 cents and making this amount of money in unheard of and shows how awesome the Tyrone Area School District truly is,” Zupon said.

Mr. Zupon stated, “we had a ton of preparation. First, I have to ask the kids when they want to do it. I usually let it up to them.”

The bake sale was set up right outside the cafeteria during all lunches. Mr. Zupon said, “we have to prepare the cafeterias, notify the janitors, and set up the snacks.” They put all of the bake goods into bags during the day off.

“The students do all of the work,” said Zupon.

During the bake sale, Zupon stated, “this is our real hard working time. All of the skills we have used and learn come into play now. Here is where we sell, sell, sell!” He said that the students do all the work, “talking to customers, giving correct change, taking orders, answering questions, and so much more.”

Mr. Zupon says, “they work so hard throughout all three lunches. It makes me so proud to see how professional and hardworking they are and how good they are at everything!”

All of the money earned from the bake sale went to the Autism Speaks program.

Zupon said, “Autism Speaks is the world’s largest autism advocacy organization that sponsors autism research and conducts awareness and outreach activities aimed at families, governments, and the public.”

Zupon said, “I personally would like to thank the students and staff of Tyrone for their help. We had so many baked good donations from staff and students. I am overwhelmed with the support.”