Rocky Point HS Students Took Polar Plunge, Helped Raise 13K

ROCKY POINT, NY — Four Rocky Point high schoolers were among a few dozen local students who were honored for taking a cold dip in Long Island Sound as part of Team ExtraOrdinary in Brookhaven Town's Polar Plunge, school district officials said.

Brookhaven officials, including Supervisor Ed Romaine and Councilwoman Jane Bonner, a Rocky Point resident, recently recognized the team's "outstanding efforts" and proclaimed Nov. 20 as Team ExtraOrdinary Day in the town, according to a news release.

Sophomores Ava Dantuono and Ashly Malandrino and seniors Christian Dantuono and Max Marte helped the team raise $13,000 for the Special Olympics by getting sponsored to make their jumps last month, officials said. The team was formed in 2013 when Robert Fitton began plunging with his cousin and one friend in honor of his brother who was born with Down syndrome, and other young people have since joined the team, including his sister, Mary, who serves as co-captain, according to officials.

The team has raised over $100,000, benefitting over 250 Special Olympians, officials said.