Tyrone Students Take the Plunge for Special Olympics
Eighteen Tyrone students plunged into the 35-degree water at Canoe Creek State Park to help raise money for the Special Olympics. The annual Polar Plunge raised around $134,000 this year.
This was the fourth time that HOSA has sponsored a Tyrone team.
“Participating in the polar plunge seems to be a right of passage. If you have done it, there is a bond present among the survivors. It is a selfless thing to raise money and give it to a person in need. The discomfort of being cold and eventually cold and wet, just takes it to a whole other level,” said health tech teacher and HOSA adviser Christie Taylor.
Like last year students divided into two different teams: team TAHS and team HOSA.
These brave students arrived at the polar plunge bright and early to experience the festivities revolving around the event. Students played tailgate games, enjoyed a hot cup of joe, and ate food from the snack shack before their plunge into the fridged water.
“I really love the festivities they bring to the plunge every year. It’s always a blast playing tailgate games beforehand,” said senior “plunger” Maddie Diebold.
The plunge had a goal to raise $150k but came up a bit short this year. They look forward to reaching their goal next year.
Tyrone students had to raise at least $35 per student to participate in the plunge.
Team HOSA consisted of Rilee Barndt, Taylor Black, Kenzie Latchford, Lexus Weaver, Gracie Ball, Maddie Beamer, Mara Focht, Lydia Irvin, Ashley Walk, and Drue Christine.
Team TAHS had Jessica Chronister, Maria Myers, Maddie Diebold, Paige Kephart, Levi Blazer, Christopher Wilkins, Cameron Vincent, and Callie Maceno.
Many students who participated in the plunge this year plan to come back in 2021 and help to reach the $150,000 goal.
Taylor has big hopes for Tyrone’s commitment to the polar plunge. She wants to continue to grow the group and hopefully begin to raise more money every year.
“It would be interesting to see if we could get any teachers or staff members in the district to participate in the plunge. I think this is possible if we set a high goal to achieve,” said Taylor.
Make a difference and join Tyrone for this special tradition to help raise money for Special Olympians, and their Olympic games.
Students or staff interested in participating in next year’s Polar Plunge should see Mrs. Taylor for details and instructions.
“I’m super excited to attend the plunge again next year, I would like to continue plunging as long as I can,” said senior Paige Kephart.
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