Graduate of The Bay School receives HeroKulture Award!

We are so proud to share the incredible journey of a young man named Cyrus, a 2024 graduate of The Bay School, one of May's autism schools. Cyrus was recently honored with the HeroKulture Award for Excellence in the Workplace. Presented by KultureCity—a nonprofit dedicated to promoting sensory accessibility and inclusion for people with invisible disabilities—this award recognizes Cyrus’s dedication, positivity, and outstanding contributions.

Cyrus started attending The Bay School in 2021, just as it reopened after a period of distance learning. From the very beginning, he jumped into volunteer opportunities at several job sites with heart and enthusiasm. Those volunteer jobs helped him build the impressive skills needed to get a paying job. 

In June 2022, GOODLES, a better-for-you mac and cheese company in Santa Cruz, hired Cyrus—and he’s been making magic ever since. Cyrus’s creativity shines through in many ways. For example, his artwork is displayed throughout the building, and his love of Disney led to a new tradition: playing Disney soundtracks during his shifts, something his coworkers have come to love and look forward to.

His colleague, Madeline Zolezzi, nominated him for the HeroKulture Award, noting not only his incredible work ethic and reliability but also the joyful energy he brings to the business. And she accepted the award at the ceremony in New York City on Cyrus' behalf, and then returned to present it to Cyrus surrounded by all of his colleagues. 

Even after graduating from The Bay School last August, Cyrus has remained a valued member of the GOODLES team, supporting their work and bringing positivity wherever he goes. We are thrilled to celebrate his growth, achievements, and the light he brings to every space he’s part of. Way to go, Cyrus!