Polar Plunge is a national fundraiser where participants plunge into a body of water to support the athletes and raise money for Special Olympic sports. LT participates in the event that raises money for Illinois Special Olympics, specifically in the Cool School Challenge for grades K-12.

“Polar Plunge is a good cause that raises money for a great group of students,” LT Polar Plunge sponsor and Aviation teacher Dave Root said.

LT first joined Polar Plunge in 2013 when Root, along with Special Education teachers Jaclyn Boskovich and Brian Wolf gathered a group of students and staff to help support Polar’s cause. Since then, they, along with other participants, have raised over $180,000. One LT student participant, Luke Vaupell ‘27,  stands out and contributes more to the Special Olympics community than the average high school student. 

“[Polar Plunge] creates more chances for inclusion,” Vaupell said. “The money helps Special Olympics athletes compete, but it also helps bring students together and makes sure everyone feels like they belong. It [helps] show that our school supports all athletes.”

Usually contributing around $3,000 annually towards Polar Plunge, Vapuell also has coached Special Olympics for four years and connects closely with the special needs community through volunteer work for SEASPAR, a non-profit Illinois organization providing adapted sports programs for individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities.

“Everyone deserves a chance to play and be part of a team,” Vaupell said. “Supporting Polar Plunge helps make that possible.”

Participants who help raise money for Polar Plunge distribute a link similar to a GoFundMe website. With easy accessibility for donations, LT’s Polar Plunge team hoped to reach $10,000 before the day of the event, held March 21 at the Oakbrook Bath and Tennis Club’s nearby pond.

“[Polar Plunge] is a good way to get students out there, engaging with the community and bringing awareness to Special Olympic athletes,” Root said.

LT does a good job of bringing attention to Special Olympic sports, Root said. However, this is not the case in many parts of the community. Many people may not be very knowledgeable on the subject, and Polar Plunge helps change that.

“[Polar Plunge] helps students see things from another perspective, builds empathy, and gives us a chance to do something meaningful for our community,” Vaupell said.

Special Olympic athletes at LT, whether they participate or not, are benefiting directly from the money raised at Polar Plunge by the efforts of students at LT. Money raised during the event runs through Special Olympics in Illinois and eventually comes right back to benefit LT Special Olympic athletes, full circle.

“[Polar Plunge] is really impactful for [the students that participate],” Root said. “They leave the event knowing that they made a difference. At the event, they connect with a lot of Special Olympic athletes. They hear directly from [the athletes] and how the funds that they raised directly impact them.”