Principal Bikes 100 Miles to Raise Autism Awareness
Edward Reynoso with Nelson Rodriguez, Victor Lopez and David Reynoso.
As a 25 year educator and Principal of the Upper School Academy at Lawrence High School, Dr. Edward Reynoso has had the responsibility of ensuring a quality education for many different students, including those with special needs. Because of his professional and personal experiences, Dr. Reynoso strongly believes everyone can succeed with the right support.
For a long time, Dr. Reynoso was interested in doing a fundraising project to help raise autism awareness. But it wasn’t until the recent lockdown that he finally had the time to kick start his mission. Upon reading all about the mission of the American Autism Association, Reynoso “didn’t think twice” and created a fundraising page almost immediately.
Dr. Reynoso’s fundraiser emphasizes the importance of teamwork. He started cycling with a group of 3 others, but with gyms closed it was easy to recruit and the group has since grown to 13. “We’re a team. Let’s do this as a team and raise awareness, and give other people motivation to do something as well,” he said.
Edward Reynoso with Nelson Rodriguez, Victor Lopez and David Reynoso.
It’s clear that this team ethic has proven to be successful. They have raised over $700 for the American Autism Association and have biked a very impressive 100 miles! They have even become inspired to do something bigger that more people can be a part of. The team is now interested in holding a bigger fundraising event in the fall, with a goal of getting as many people involved as possible.
Watching his students with autism go through high school and graduate, he has seen the accomplishments they have been able to make. Dr. Reynoso said “There are a lot of positives to these young students...I see how smart they are and how successful they have been after high school.”
Dr. Reynoso has a goal of making everyone more aware of autism, both to support those with autism and help families who need financial support to help their children. You can check out his fundraiser here.