On January 26th, SGA made a trip to Sandy Point State Park to partake in the 28th annual Polar Bear Plunge. 103 students participated and all of the money raised helped benefit the Special Olympics, The group was accompanied by Dr. Segnatelli.

Students reported to the cafeteria at 9:00 where they waited for the buses on Thursday, January 26th. From there they rode to Sandy Point State Park where they enjoyed live music by “Foggy May” and lunches provided by Wawa. Outside, the Dunbar High-School marching band performed and entertainers greeted various students. Dr. Segnatelli described the plunge as “A [real] sense of community.”

“[My favorite part of the Polar Bear Plunge is] just hanging out with my friends,” said Freshman Halle Nichols. The Polar Bear Plunge proudly advertises themselves as “The ‘Coolest’ Maryland Tradition” and spans three days. The plunge began on January 26th and came to a close on the 28th. In addition to regular plunge groups, there were also special plunge categories such as the Police Plunge, Military Plunge, Cool School Plunge, and Corporate Plunge.

“[I went] because it sounded fun and because [I wanted to support charity,” said Sophomore Eric Howard. The Severna Park team dubbed the “Arctic Parkies” raised $6,595 out of their goal of $10,000. Meanwhile, the “Cool Schools” plunge has raised $297,826 of its $300,000 goal, which had to be increased from the original amount of $250,000.

Students from 63 other schools came out to take the plunge as well. “It was really nice running into people from other schools, I ran into my cousin and all of his friends who go to Arundel and I also ran into one of my best friends from Broadneck,” remarked Junior Emilee Hardesty, “The whole day was a lot of fun but my least favorite things were the sand and the changing tents. My favorite things were the socializing, the rush of running into the water, and knowing I was there for a good cause.”