Hypothermia is just one risk participants will take in the Polar Bear Plunge. On Saturday, Feb. 23, six teachers will jump into the freezing cold Creve Coeur Lake to raise money for Special Olympics.

Dr. Greg Mathison, Scott Szevery, Eric Nesbit, Jane Montani, Gary Goulet and Amy Ahearn are the currently scheduled participants.

“It benefits students with severe developmental disabilities, even some of our students at MHS,” Amy Ahearn, SSD resource teacher, said.

The community service class will collect donations on Wednesday, Feb. 13, Tuesday, Feb. 19 and Thursday, Feb. 21 during the lunch shifts. Collection jars will also be in each grade level office. All proceeds go to Special Olympics.

Ahearn is organizing the event. She volunteered to do so because “it’s always been something I’ve wanted to do.”

“We had a student who spoke about his Special Olympics experience,” Ahearn said. “He said it gave him confidence and gave him an opportunity to succeed.”

Ahearn said Polar Bear Plunge has a great cause.

“Special Olympics allows developmentally disabled students to participate in activities that challenge them and build self-esteem.”

Ahearn plans on organizing the event again next year.

“Down the road, I hope to get students to be part of a team that jumps into the frigid lake,” Ahearn said.