URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — Students and staff at Urbana High School will trade winter coats for swimsuits on Friday, Feb. 27, as they dive into icy waters for a good cause during the annual Cool School Polar Plunge.
The event, scheduled from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the school’s Athletic Complex, will raise funds to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Participants have spent weeks collecting pledges and donations leading up to the highly anticipated plunge.
Melissa McMahon, a special education teacher at Urbana High School and organizer of the event, said the plunge is about more than just braving the cold.
“This is an opportunity for our students to show their support for inclusion and to stand behind the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois,” McMahon said. “It’s inspiring to see our school community come together for something so meaningful.”
The Edge Scott Fire Department will provide the portable pool used for the plunge, ensuring participants have a safe — if chilly — place to take the dip. Members of the Urbana Police Department are also expected to participate alongside students and staff, adding to the sense of community involvement.
Throughout the afternoon, students who helped raise funds will take turns plunging into the pool while classmates cheer them on. Organizers say the event not only raises money but also increases awareness about the importance of inclusion and support for individuals with disabilities.
Funds raised will go directly to Special Olympics Illinois, which provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
School officials encourage community members and media to attend and cover the event. McMahon will be available for interviews, and students participating in the plunge will also be available to share why they chose to get involved.
