Freezin’ For a Reason

It’s a cold day on November 18th. The wind is blowing and as one drives on the street, people are bundled up like snowmen in their jackets. However, this did not stop students from rushing out to Lake George to race into the water. 

The Polar Plunge is an event run by the Special Olympics. Originally, they only had around three schools involved. But, as the years passed, more schools from the area have joined. This year, there were around twenty schools that were able to attend the Polar Plunge, including the Niskayuna High School. The Polar Plunge is an opportunity for schools to raise money for inclusion programs and Special Olympics programs, which is an organization that allows students with intellectual disabilities to participate in sport competitions.

Our school has many clubs such as Nisky United, All Star Athletes and a wide variety of Unified sports teams where students with and without disabilities can work together, play games, participate in sporting events, and other activities. Through these events, inclusion can be promoted and everyone can feel welcome. 

Recently, our school was honored as being a Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion School. This award recognizes the amazing work that Niskayuna High School does in regards to having Unified sports teams, clubs, and other activities or classes that promote inclusion for students with a range of abilities. In addition, Niskayuna was mentioned on ESPN’s Northeast Honor Roll in recognition of this award, which was a huge accomplishment. 

The Polar Plunge is a big event part of these programs. Students and teachers alike come together to go and do the Polar Plunge. On November 18th, the air and water were around 44 degrees. Despite this, schools lined up and excitedly waited to be called to race onto the sand and into the water. 

When people arrive at the event, the cold is the last thing on their minds. Wherever you look, everyone can see people enthusiastically smiling about the plunge. Students, teachers and adults from different schools and throughout the community came together to do the event. Music plays in the background, while the announcer makes the event even more electric by making the audience anticipate what the next school to race will be. Each plunge is accompanied by cheers and claps. Students come in costumes, and one could even find a polar bear walking around in the crowd and along the sand. All in all, the Polar Plunge is a great experience for those who can come. 

Niskayuna had a large turnout this year for the plunge. Faculty such as Mr. Malizia and Mr. Coleman attended, as well as numerous students. Sophomores Hannah and Laurel described the event as really fun and a great opportunity to be festive and connect with other communities. In addition, officer of Nisky United, Avery, described it as a fun experience that everyone should get to have. When students and teachers come out to do the Plunge, they are not only able to support a great cause and spread awareness, but also have a very fun experience!