Staff Report
North Attleborough high and middle schools made quite the splash during the district’s first Polar Plunge.
On Thursday, March 6, the district hosted its first Polar Plunge fundraiser at North Attleborough Middle School, according to an announcement from the district. On the 50-degree day, students and staff who raised at least $25 were invited to take a plunge into the ice-cold water of the mobile plunge unit, Bear Force One.
This plunge also made history as the first of its kind involving middle school students in Massachusetts.
Over 100 staff and students participated in the plunge, raising $10,820 for Special Olympics Massachusetts. Before the plunge, participants gathered on Thursday morning in the middle school gym, where there was music, yard games and other activities for staff and students.
Awards were presented to participants from high school and middle school, recognizing the top fundraiser, best costume and biggest splash. The award recipients included:
- Top Fundraiser: NAHS junior Caroline Shepherd and NAMS seventh-grade student Elayna Williams
- Best Costume: NAHS junior Madison Burns and NAMS teachers Meaghan Bowen and Vanessa Jaworski
- Biggest Splash: NAHS senior Anthony Riccia and NAMS eighth-grade student Gunner McFadden
“We are extremely proud of our participants for more than doubling our initial fundraising goal, having raised $10,820 for Special Olympics Massachusetts,” Director of Student Services Margaret Camire said. “This Polar Plunge served as a great opportunity for our school community to foster an environment filled with respect, dignity and advocacy for students with disabilities, and we look forward to continuing our commitment to Special Olympics Massachusetts at our upcoming games this May.”
The district will host its annual Special Olympics School Day games event on Thursday, May 15, at North Attleborough High School’s Raymond Beaupre Field. Students will compete in the sport of hockey in various forms.
Additional details regarding the upcoming annual School Day games event can be found on the North Attleborough Public Schools website under the Student Services section.