Champlin Park Students, Staff Take Polar Plunge for a Cause
The biting winds of a chilly afternoon weren’t enough to stop nearly 200 students at Champlin Park High School from taking a very cold leap of faith. The school hosted its fifth annual Mobile Polar Plunge, an event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the school’s Unified Club and Special Olympics Minnesota.
According to Maia Miller, a teacher at Champlin Park and a key organizer of the event, the initiative has seen explosive growth since its inception five years ago. “Our club continues to grow like crazy,” Miller said, noting that student interest is so high they often have to split up meetings to accommodate everyone.
The enthusiasm translated into significant financial support this year. Just 30 minutes before the event began, the school had raised nearly $18,000. The money is split between the local Unified Club and Special Olympics Minnesota, ensuring the continuation of inclusive programming and events throughout the year.
“Because our students have really shown how impactful this is on their lives, they’re the ones who drive it,” said Miller. “They want it, they love it, and because of their excitement, we keep going.”
Related: Unified Club Spreads Message of Inclusion at Champlin Park
Champlin Park High School
