On Saturday, March 16th, Special Olympics Illinois held the annual Polar Plunge in Oakbrook. Many Benet Academy students joined the cause this year, almost doubling the amount raised for the Special Olympics from last year. Senior Drake Cote said, “Over the last 15 months Benet has raised nearly $20,000 for Special Olympics IL during our Polar Plunge fundraisers. From 7 plungers in 2023, to 30 this year, I’m proud of the way our school has embraced this opportunity and I am equally as excited to see how far we can take it in the years to come.” The event began with people from all over the area coming together and playing games like bags and football in the nearby field, featuring a DJ inside the main tent and free treats and soda for everyone to enjoy. Then, all the different groups who had raised money marched over to the pond and lined up to take the plunge. When it was time to take the plunge, the Bear’s tight end Cole Kmet was the first to go, plunging with some of the special Olympians participating this year. Then, Benet’s thirty plungers all took the plunge and managed to survive the freezing cold water. “I loved the polar plunge! I got to spend time with my friends for an amazing cause. Although the water was cold, what we were doing definitely made it worth it,” shared sophomore Jim Campbell. The Polar Plunge will be taking place next year on March 22, 2025, so make sure to mark your calendars and tell your friends.