By Samantha Coe, Staff Writer
February 5, 2024
ROCKLAND - In the cold month of February, students will work up the courage for the Polar Plunge.
The Polar Plunge is an event that happens every year to raise money for the Special Olympics of Massachusetts. The event will occur on Thursday, February 15, and students who raise at least $10 will receive four hours of community service.
This year's plunge will be brought to RHS in a converted garbage truck made specially for the Plunge.
“I know in the past the other advisor normally had to get a can or a bus and drive kids down to the Cape. We came across this online on Twitter and Instagram, we saw it was the new mobile polar plunge and we figured that would be an easier option” Student Government Advisor Ms. Kaitlyn Diver said.
This event typically is an every-year thing with the Student Government Council leading it.
On the day of, school will end with a unified pep rally and the plunge will follow right after for students who are participating.
Student Government President, senior Ava Hagan said, "I've worked with the Special Olympics for a few years now and it's a really fun event that brings in a lot of money. It's important to bring awareness to special needs [students] and promote inclusion. Everyone should do it or at least donate."
Registration will begin this Thursday with signs all around the school. It will be a school-wide event “where teams and different clubs can go and try to raise the most money” said Ms. Diver.
Principal Dr. John Harrison believes it’s a great way to “raise money for a good cause, bring us together as a school community surrounded by inclusion in a fun way, and a great way to give students an opportunity for community service.”
Between Christmas and February breaks, students often become less motivated to do things especially since there are few activities planned for this time of the year. The Polar Plunge and the Pep Rally are great ways for students to get some spirit and motivation back in these cold months.