When Bald Eagle Area Athletic Director Doug Dyke realized that people were in need of face masks and local fire and EMS companies were in need of funding amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he came up with an idea he thought could help with both issues.
Dyke began selling blue-and-gold masks with the BEA logo for $8 apiece to benefit the five fire and three EMS companies that serve the school district. As of early July, Dyke has sold over 2,400 masks to students, faculty, parents and community members.
Dyke attributes their popularity not only to the design, but also to the feel of the masks. They are lightweight and comfortable, especially during the summer months when people are worried about overheating. “I think that’s why people like them,” he said. “Nothing’s as comfortable as of course not having anything in front of your face, but unless it’s a hot day, they don’t get as warm on your face as some other ones.”