When I first started my Capstone project, my primary goal was to foster a deeper understanding and acceptance of autism within our community, more specifically our school community. Drawing inspiration from my sister Morgan, who helped initiate the first Tecumseh Learning Pad Lemonade Stand when she was a student, I felt a personal connection to this cause. This project became more than just an academic requirement; it evolved into a mission to promote inclusivity and awareness throughout the Jamesville DeWitt school district.

Throughout this journey, I had discovered a resilience and determination within myself that I had not fully recognized before. Coordinating events across multiple school buildings had required a great amount of planning, effective communication, and adaptability that I had not been used to. Collaborating with staff members like Meg Ames, Stephanie Schellinger, Larry Stroh, and Bill Sauve taught me the importance of teamwork and the value of diverse perspectives. Helping to design and create the special “Tecumseh Leaning Pad Lemonade Stand” t-shirts and sweatshirts, as well as creating the 3D printed Autism Acceptance pins, allowed me to merge creativity with advocacy, allowing for me to truly reach my goals with this project.

Initially, the Lemonade Stand was first started as a singular event at Tecumseh. However, recognizing its potential impact, I had spearheaded the expansion to include all school buildings, the Transportation Department, and the District Office. The district wide initiative not only increased participation but also amplified the message of autism acceptance. Witnessing the community come together, from students preparing lemonade kits to staff members supporting the cause, it was all truly heartwarming and so inspiring. I was also given the opportunity to bring the Tecumseh Lemonade Stand to the Autism Acceptance Walk at Jamesville Beach, bringing the stand to a wider audience. 

One unexpected challenge was ensuring the engagement across all locations. Each school has its unique environment and schedule, requiring multiple different approaches to maximise involvement. By maintaining open lines of communication, and being receptive to feedback, I had been able to adapt strategies to fit each school environment effectively. 

A particularly proud moment was seeing the culmination of our collective efforts when the Lemonade Stand raised over $10,400, greatly surpassing previous years’ totals. This achievement was a testament to the community’s commitment to the cause. Additionally, participating in the Autism Acceptance Walk at Jamesville Beach further solidified the sense of unity and purpose that this project fostered. 

While the financial success of the fundraiser was significant, the most meaningful aspect was the heightened awareness and conversations it has sparked about autism acceptance. The initiative provided a platform for students, staff, and community members to create a sense of empathy.

This experience has reshaped how I approach large scale projects. I’ve learned the importance of setting clear goals, being adaptive, and valuing collaboration. Facing setbacks has taught me resilience, and celebrating successes reinforced the power of community engagement. Moving forward, I am committed to continuing advocacy work, using the skills and insights gained from this project to drive positive change.