In the midst of winter conditions, DGS students and staff are preparing to embrace the cold for a cause. The school will host its annual Polar Plunge fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics Illinois on Friday, March 27, during lunch periods in the school’s central courtyard.
Students and staff who raise at least $100 will earn the opportunity to jump into a cold pool of ice water and receive a Polar Plunge sweatshirt. Proceeds from the event support year-round athletic training, competition and inclusive opportunities for athletes with disabilities through Special Olympics Illinois.
Math teacher Negin Voss, who has organized the event for several years, shared why the fundraiser holds personal significance.
“I have always been a supporter of Special Olympics,” Voss said. “My younger brother has Down syndrome and has participated in Special Olympics events. It is something I grew up with, and it is very dear to my heart.”
Voss and fellow teacher Alessandra Trosclair coordinate the event, overseeing planning, registration and logistics. This year, organizers aim to raise $10,000, surpassing last year’s total of $8,000.
“Through donation goals, we created a friendly competition between each grade level and the staff to encourage participation,” Voss said. “I am confident that we will shine as a school and reach our goal.”
Students are also helping lead the effort. Members of the junior class board are responsible for promoting the Polar Plunge through pop-up spirit days and school-wide announcements. Junior Victoria Zibert described how participating in the plunge gives students the opportunity to make a difference.
“Being involved in this event is a way to lead by example and support a great cause like Special Olympics,” Zibert said. “Making lasting memories while doing so is just another bonus.”
Zibert said the organization’s mission makes the fundraiser worthwhile, reflecting on the underlying purpose and impact of the event.
“Special Olympics Illinois changes lives,” Zibert said. “Promoting athleticism, belonging and growth for everyone is a cause worth plunging into frigid waters for.”
Junior Hannah Hake also plans to participate and said she looks forward to the schoolwide participation the event brings,
“I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone participate and help raise as much money as possible,” Hake said. “I hope the junior class can contribute the most and support Special Olympics.”
Hake later highlighted how her experiences working with students with disabilities helped her understand the impact of the organization.
“This cause is worthy of support because it helps athletes with disabilities get the resources they deserve to perform at a high level,” she said. “Through PE leadership with the special education classes, I’ve seen how much opportunities like this can mean.”
Students and staff interested in participating can register online, complete a waiver and begin fundraising. While $100 is required to take the plunge, anyone can donate to support a participant.
Looking ahead, Voss emphasized that the the biggest reward of the Polar Plunge isn’t just the fundraising—it’s the sense of community it fosters among students and staff.
“There are so many important organizations to support and ways to get involved,” Voss said. “I think the biggest takeaway is coming together as a school, working together, having fun and being supportive of one another, regardless of what the cause may be.”
