Jenison High School hosted a special fundraiser this morning and the results were incredible.
The Cool Schools Polar Plunge, located in the junior high parking lot, featured more than 50 student and staff plungers who raised more than $10,000 for the organization. Many classes and community members came out, despite temperatures in the teens, to cheer on the participants.
Rick Brady, Director of Unified Champion Schools at Special Olympics Michigan, said he wasn’t surprised by the huge turnout and the amount of money raised.
“Jenison is phenomenal in everything they do around Unified, around creating a space of belonging for everybody, in creating a space of acceptance for everybody," Brady said. “You could see it here on display today through the Cool School Plunge.”
Jenison High School Senior Brody Rocafort, who jumped with two other friends, said the chilly water temperature took his breath away for a few seconds.
“It was so cold,” he said. “A lot colder than I expected.”
Senior Quinn Cochran said supporting the Unified program, a class that he loves because of all the positive relationships he forms, was a no-brainer.
“It’s so fun. It’s my favorite class,” he said. “I enjoy every part of it.”