Polar Plunge breaks last year’s record Nation Ford High raises nearly $11 thousand for local Special Olympics

by Eric Dykhuis

To encourage students to donate to this year’s Polar Plunge fundraiser, NFHS decided that for every $500 increment donated to the Plunge, one to two teachers or administrators would get an ice-cold bucket of water dumped on their heads once their assigned milestone was reached.

The Polar Plunge is an event that was brought to Fort Mill in 2021 to raise money for the South Carolina Area 11 Special Olympics, held at the Baxter-Close YMCA on Saturday, Feb 4.

“I think this shows that our school family loves all of our students, and I’m overwhelmed by the support we’ve received. I am blessed to be here,” Principal Chris Chandler said.

The incentive of students seeing their favorite or least favorite teacher get soaked by freezing water in the middle of winter has certainly paid off, seeing that NFHS has surpassed its goal by $926 and raised $10,926 total. That’s $3,628 more raised than last year. Both students and teachers say they had fun with the ice bucket challenge. “I don’t particularly like the super cold, but for this, I know everyone else is really excited, so that’s what makes me excited,” marketing teacher Lynn Marsh said.

Alexander Minihin (25’) also enjoyed watching Marsh partake in the challenge. “After working under her for tech crew and marketing, I’d say it was deserved,” he joked.