Tyrone seniors Joshua Patterson, Nathanial Patterson, Kolten Miller, and Leo Veit took a cold dip into Canoe Creek Lake to raise money for the Special Olympics on Saturday, January 28.

Tyrone students have been doing the plunge since 2017.  Each year the team is organized by Tyrone High School Heath Tech teacher and HOSA advisor Christie Taylor.

The event raised more than $100,000 to support Pennsylvania Special Olympics, an organization that provides year-round training and sports competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

The four Tyrone seniors joined the approximately 250 other plungers from clubs, businesses, volunteer groups, and individuals across the region on the Canoe Creek Lake beach.

“It was my idea, I always wanted to do it because it looked fun and it sounded cool.” said senior Kolten Miller.

Fortunately for the plungers, the day was sunny and the mild winter meant that conditions were better than usual for a quick swim.

The air temperature at plunge time was a relatively warm 41 degrees, but the water in the lake was a chilly 34 degrees, so the plunge is not for the faint of heart.

“[This year’s plunge] went well. It wasn’t as cold as in years past, but the water was still cold and the wind made it a little challenging. I really appreciate everyone who plunged and donated to this worthy cause.”

Any Tyrone student can get involved. All they have to do is sign up in January, raise at least $40 for the Special Olympics, and be willing to take the plunge.

“We would love to have a larger team next year. It’s a lot of fun for a great cause,” said Taylor.