This year, the South Bend Cubs held their eighth annual polar plunge in partnership with the Special Olympics. On Saturday, February 24, Mishawaka students and staff prepared to plunge into a freezing pool in support of Special Olympics Indiana. With 28 participants, nearly three thousand dollars were raised.
Brynn Lewinski, a MHS Senior, shared the significance of such an event, “I think this event is important for communities because it brings a sense of inclusion to the atmosphere and gives kids something to look forward to, which is very special to see.” She continued, “I encourage everyone to do the Polar plunge for both you and the community. This event brings happiness to many people, in which I’m thankful to have been apart of it.”
This was Lewinski’s first year participating in the event, but polar plunge veterans and seniors Addison Brugh and Ava Fox have made this an annual tradition. Lewinski became involved in the polar plunge fundraiser following her adapted PE class at Mishawaka. She said, “I participated in the polar plunge because of the friendships I’ve gained with the kids in the adapted PE class that I take this year. Being in this class has helped me be more aware and I wanted to help spread that awareness.”
Ayla Koehler, another MHS Senior, also attended South Bend Cubs’ polar plunge in support of the Champions Together team. She spoke on the significance of this Mishawaka team, “The champions together team fosters an understanding and builds a more compassionate environment for all. Having a club/group such as champions together, students can build strong relationships with one another, build social skills, and express their love and compassion for each other.”
As of 2024, the Polar Plunge has raised over eleven million dollars in Indiana. All proceeds go to providing training services to athletes within the Special Olympics program. Every year, new fundraising records are broken and MHS hopes to see even more involvement in 2025.
Photo: Jenn Smith