Students Prepare For Cool Schools Plunge For Special Olympics

Dubbed “the coolest field trip in the state of Maryland,” the Cool Schools Plunge is an opportunity for teens and youth to join their classmates, teachers, even their principals, to take a winter dip in the Chesapeake Bay to support Special Olympics Maryland.

Since 2011, the Cool Schools Plunge has taken place at Sandy Point State Park, but it can also be done at school or anywhere. This year, private schools will plunge on January 28, while Anne Arundel County Public Schools will plunge on January 29. The money raised will support the athletes and unified teammates of Special Olympics Maryland for interscholastic unified sports programs in schools.

Severna Park Middle School’s (SPMS) Patricia DeLaet, a sixth-grade science teacher and student government advisor, has organized the Cool School Plunge for SPMS for the last 14 years. She said that students can sign up for the SPMS team beginning in November, and each student does their own individual fundraising.

“Participating in the Cool Schools Plunge is important for middle school students because it helps them learn about kindness, inclusion and helping others while supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities,” DeLaet said. “By raising money and taking the plunge together, students see that their actions really matter. It shows them they can be active contributors to their community, not just observers, while building teamwork, school spirit, and the confidence to step outside their comfort zones for a good cause.”

At Broadneck High School, which has a unified sports program, fundraising for and supporting the plunge is a school-wide event. Student government advisor and special education teacher Meghan McLean is in her second year organizing the “Broadneck Brrrruins” team. Working with the Broadneck Athletic Leadership Council, National Honor Society, unified sports, and Best Buddies to form teams, McLean added that fundraising and the day-of plunge activities make the experience fun and eventful for all students.

Each student is responsible for their own individual funds, and students often get creative to raise additional money. On the last day before winter break, Broadneck’s Student Government Association hosted “Frostyfest,” now in its fourth year. Students donate $5 to participate in activities such as building gingerbread houses, bingo, mini golf, holiday crafts, or watching a holiday movie. Friendly “best-dressed” individual and team competitions are also hosted.

“Broadneck High School has many students participating in unified sports, and we have a strong inclusion and unified program. This initiative fosters teamwork, leadership and school spirit while supporting an important cause that benefits the Special Olympics,” McLean said. “The plunge provides students and captains an opportunity to connect, engage in meaningful service, and celebrate their contributions together, starting the day with social activities and a hot chocolate bar to build excitement.”

Broadneck High School’s Cool Schools Plunge captains for 2026 are Ella Trout and Dylan Redziniak.

“I would encourage other high school students to get involved with the Special Olympics because it is a welcoming and supportive community,” Redziniak said. “It brings people together and allows students to have a positive impact while having fun!”

At St. John the Evangelist , the Cool Schools Plunge is something students look forward to even before the weather starts to turn cold.

Will Butler, an eighth-grade student and student government president, has been part of the Special Olympic plunge since fourth grade when he first dipped his toes into a kiddie pool of ice cubes, known as the “Popsicle Plunge,” for pre-kindergarten through fourth grade students. The Cool Schools Plunge coincides with National Catholic Schools Week, and Butler said that all fifth- through eighth-graders will go to the plunge and have an opportunity to brave the icy waters of the Chesapeake.

On December 17, St. John the Evangelist welcomed Adam Hayes, a Special Olympics Maryland athlete, who spoke to the middle school students about Special Olympics and the plunge.

“It was really important to hear from a Special Olympics athlete. I think some of our fifth-graders were a little nervous about it,” Butler said. “The assembly was great because everyone got to ask questions and learn that the Cool Schools Plunge is really about much more than just the plunge.”

The Cool Schools initiative empowers students to make a real difference, according to Kylie Carneal, a fifth-grade teacher and student government advisor.

“They take pride in supporting Special Olympics athletes in Maryland and in knowing their efforts directly contribute to opportunities, inclusion and support for those athletes and their families, and they see firsthand how their efforts, both fundraising and plunging, have a tangible impact,” Carneal said. “For student council leaders, it is an opportunity to lead by example, motivate peers, and grow in confidence and responsibility.”

Carneal added that St. John’s participation in the plunge was an initiative proposed by former student and student government member Charlie Silk, now in high school, who brought forward a thoughtful proposal to the administration along with a strong passion for raising money for Special Olympics. “His advocacy laid the foundation for what has become a meaningful and lasting tradition at our school,” Carneal said.

As of January 9, Crofton High School led all Maryland high schools in fundraising with nearly $28,000 raised. Special Olympics Maryland has a fundraising goal of $4.75 million across all plunge groups including the Super Plunge, Cool Schools, police and public safety, corporate and Maryland plunges. To support a plunger, a school, or Special Olympics Maryland, go to www.plungemd.com.