Amy Longmore, a special education teacher, and her team from Hoffman Estates High School have been taking the Plunge for the past seven years. You can easily spot their orange and blue pride in the icy waters of Twin Lakes in Palatine.
Longmore has personally been involved with Special Olympics Illinois for the past 10 years.
The team is a part of the Cool School Challenge – a friendly competition between local schools as part of select Polar Plunge sites. Students and staff are encouraged to join up on a team and work together to recruit as many participants as possible, while raising money and awareness for the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois.
“Our team loves representing Hoffman High School in such a COOL way and knowing that the money raised provides lifelong memories for our athletes,” says Longmore.
Hoffman Estates High School Special Olympics athletes come out to the Plunge to share hot chocolate and lots of high fives and smiles before and after their fellow classmates and staff take the plunge.
“We do it for them so it’s fun to share that experience,” Longmore says.
Longmore thinks the best part of being involved with Special Olympics is the impact it has on so many lives. “It is a top notch organization that provides the best for our kids.”
This year, Interact Club picked the Plunge as one of their service projects. Collectively the team is looking to raise $25,000.
This year the Palatine Polar Plunge takes place on February 21 at Twin Lakes in Palatine. You can register to take the plunge or support Hoffman Estates High School’s team by clicking here.