Park Jr. High Hosts 'Cool School' Polar Plunge, Raising $25K For Special Olympics

LA GRANGE PARK, IL – Park Junior High School hosted its first-ever schoolwide Special Olympics fundraiser, the “Cool School” Polar Plunge, on school grounds on Friday, February 20, 2026. The event was co-hosted by Kathleen Galske and Geri Pasieka, who organized and coordinated the event.

With the generous support of the La Grange Park Fire Department, students and staff took a quick dip for an incredible cause, raising funds to support Special Olympics athletes and programming.

In its inaugural year, Park Junior High surpassed expectations. The school set an ambitious fundraising goal of $3,000 and ultimately raised an impressive $24,820.There were a total of 64 plungers, comprising 15 staff and 49 students, who committed to raising funds for the event.

“If you are a plunger, if you are a supporter, if you've made a donation, if you're cheering, you’re a part of this!” said Pasieka. “You're making our school proud, you're making our students proud, and, most importantly, special education students in Special Olympics proud. You're giving us something truly from the heart. We really appreciate you. Plungers, we really appreciate you”.

Several individuals went above and beyond in their individual fundraising efforts, and community members joined the celebration to cheer on participants and witness this powerful display of school spirit and service.

As Park Junior High hosted the Polar Plunge for the first time, it represented not just a fundraiser but also a defining moment of unity, inclusion, and leadership for the entire school community.