Principals At St. Cajetan, CK Plunging For Special Olympics

CHICAGO (BEVERLY, MORGAN PARK) — Bragging rights are on the line as the principals of two neighborhood Catholic elementary schools plan to participate in the annual Chicago Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Chicago on Sunday, March 1. St. Cajetan Elementary School Principal Michelle Nitsche and Christ the King Principal Ann Marie Riordan have challenged each other — and their schools — to raise as much money for the Special Olympics organization as possible.

All in good fun, the principal of the school that raises the lesser amount will have to wear the other school's spirit shirt and colors to school the day after the plunge.

Both principals in what's being called the "Catholic Crosstown Principal Challenge" have personal connections to Special Olympics.

Nitsche has raised $1,374 as of 11 a.m. on Feb. 19. She will be plunging in honor of her niece, Jillian Dennis, who was born with Down Syndrome. Support Michelle Nitsche (St. Cajetan) in the Polar Plunge here

"She is an inspiration to us all," Nitsche said. "Jillian is incredibly active and many of the activities she participates in would not be available without the support of Special Olympics."

Riordan has raised $1,393 as of 11 a.m. on Feb. 19. The Christ the King principal coached a number of Special Olympics athletes while in college through an organization called IAM Cares. Support Ann Marie Riordan (Christ the King) in the Polar Plunge here

"We also have students at CK whose siblings and family members are involved with Special Olympics Chicago," she said. "Also, one of our amazing moms at CK is a Special Recreation Coordinator at Mt. Greenwood Park and a big supporter of Special Olympics Chicago."

Both school leaders stress inclusion and helping those with disabilities.

"We wholeheartedly believe in inclusion and acceptance and I know the CK community will be incredibly supportive," Riordan said, while Nitsche says St. Cajetan tries "very hard to connect our students with children and adults of varying disabilities so that they are educated and inclusive rather than fearful and dismissive."