Iona Prep Team Top Polar Plunge Fundraisers

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — For the third year in a row, the Iona Preparatory “Plungers” have been named the top team in all of New York State for their fundraising efforts as part of the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. The Gaels raised $46,000 at the 10th annual Westchester Polar Plunge, with more than 100 students jumping into frigid waters at Glen Island Park on Nov.17, 2018.

During a special presentation at Iona Preparatory Upper School Dec. 17, 2018, Special Olympics New York Director of Development Kaitlin Brennan awarded the Plungers with their fourth consecutive “Cool School Challenge” trophy. The team’s fundraising will sponsor more than 100 Special Olympics athletes, who will now be able to participate in the Olympic-style sports programs for free.

Patricia Gray, who moderates the Plungers club and teaches English at Iona Preparatory, said she is proud of all that the students do by not only fundraising, but advocating for Special Olympics and its athletes.

“Our goal is always to do the best we can for these incredible athletes,” Gray said. “We are thrilled to keep growing our efforts and to, once again, take home the state title. It makes jumping into that freezing water absolutely worth it.”

This marks the eighth time in 10 years that the Prep Plungers were the top Westchester school (predating the Cool School Challenge). They were also the top overall team in Westchester in 2010 and 2011 and have raising close to $200,000 for Special Olympics athletes since the inception of the Westchester Polar Plunge.

Get New Rochelle Patch’s daily newsletters and news alerts right in your inbox. Find and “Like” Hudson Valley Patches' Facebook Pages.

Photo credit: Submitted.