The Polar Plunge was held on Saturday, January 27 at the Sands Ocean Front Resort. This event is a part of the South Carolina Torch Run and raised money for the South Carolina Special Olympics. The Special Olympics is a program that allows special needs students and adults to participate in year-round athletic training and events.
Special Education teacher Randi Aubry shared, “It is important to participate in the plunge to help with funding for the Horry County Special Olympics. We have many students here at Carolina Forest High School who participate in the Olympics, and all money raised from the plunge goes directly to fund the Olympics just as we would fund any sporting events for our athletics here at CFHS. ”
Many people participated in the plunge every year. In Myrtle Beach, participants take the cold plunge into the ocean! Luckily this year, the weather turned out to be warm and inviting for the event with temperatures in the low to mid 70s and the water temperature being 52.
The Polar Plunge had four different plunges with one taking place each hour. Hundreds of people participated and supported the cause. Each year the plunge has set a new record of funds that were raised; this year the plunge raised nearly $150,000.
CFHS’s Rho Kappa National Honors Society was at the event, having four plungers: Aliyeah Gramberg, Sofia Morant, Kamora Lawyer, Meaja Dozier-Edwards. There were some other students and teachers who also plunged: Alexis Mccann, Emmy Levinsky, Sarah Brown, Marceil Turner, Lisa Johnson, Amy Molash, Kelsey Tinker, Haileigh Miller, Killiam Williams, and Sarah Kilmer.
“Originally I was just helping to raise money for Sarah Brown to plunge, but she took it into her hands to gather money to raise money for me to plunge. Although it seems to be that we were challenging each other, I would have supported the cause. I am grateful I was able to participate watching the community gather together to support the cause was amazing,” stated Turner.
Senior Sofia Morant shared, “The plunge was fun, but the water was really cold. If I had to advise anyone about the plunge, I would tell them to just go all in!”
This event was a great cause that many supported this year. Hopefully next year, there will be an even bigger turnout!
