Cash is out and ready. You’re hungry; everybody is hungry. During the 15 minute break between 8th periods, there is a swarm in Nobel Commons, crowding around a single stand. Bake sales are a common method to raise money for the school initiatives, and different clubs at TJ. 

“Bake sales consistently rack in pretty good profits, and it is a convenient way for students to show support while raising money for the school,” senior and Class Council senator Melissa Wu said.

The 2022 Class Council has been thinking about more unique and fun things to sell. Considering the kinds of foods students would enjoy, they eventually ended up marketing pies. 

“Bake sales have sold typical baked goods, like brownies, cookies, and cupcakes. Now, the clubs have gotten really creative. Our bake sale was in late November, so we thought pies were fitting for the fall/Thanksgiving season,” Wu said. 

Hosting bake sales is a long standing tradition at Jefferson. One tactic is to raise the price of the goods in order to make more of a profit. 

“Higher prices definitely result in more profit, but we did offer discounts as the number of goods purchased increased. We set one pie for $5, two pies for $8, and three pies for $10. The three for $10 was a steal, in my opinion,’’ Wu said.

Such discounts attracted students, and soon enough, many were buying multiple pies. Matt Sprintson, the 2024 Class Council treasurer, has spent this year coming up with better ideas to raise money. 

“Last year’s Freshman Class Council didn’t raise a lot of money, so we really hit the ground running. As treasurer, I decided we needed something exciting, transportable and enjoyable,” Sprintson said.

With their added creativity, students were more drawn to the goods being sold. To Sprintson, this was an unexpected increase in sales.

“I was very worried that we wouldn’t sell out, but luckily people came and showed their support. The first time we sold 100 bobas in four minutes, which is incredible,” Sprintson said. 

Some students believe the prices of the goods to be too high. The costs are usually higher than if the food was bought from stores. However, the price needs to be high in order to have the profit be worth all the time spent organizing the bake sales.

“Firstly, we needed a reason to sell. I couldn’t justify spending hours of logistical work making $200. By increasing the price of the boba to $7, we could easily bring in $400. I thought it was worth it. Secondly, with most people paying $10 bills, increasing the price means less panic surrounding change,” Sprintson said. 

Other students aren’t concerned about the price. They believe that their money is spent well, acknowledging the effort and time put into the bake sales. 

“I definitely think that it is worth the price, especially since we are supporting the school,” freshman Sara Jamalzai said. 

Interest in these bake sales can depend on a variety of factors. Because of this uncertainty, it can be difficult for clubs to predict how much food they’ll need. 

“The first time it ran out extremely quickly, and there was a giant swarm in Nobel Commons. Since it is getting more normal now, the crowd and rush isn’t as big,” Jamalzai said.

In some cases, food options can include multiple flavors. This adds the additional layer of the popularity of certain items. 

“If you are looking for a specific flavor, you need to get there quickly. One time, I had to go as fast as I could from my 8th period A block as soon as it was over, to ensure that the flavor that I want does not run out,” freshman Aubree Masud said. 

While individuals may see bake sales as an obstruction while passing between 8th periods, to many, it can be a great opportunity to raise money, and enjoy some food.

“Hosting bake sales is really fun! Great to see everyone enjoying the pies,” Wu said.