NEIGHBORS > Columnist

Hollis/Brookline students, staff to take plunge for charity

Published: Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Courtesy photo Among those from Hollis/Brookline High School who participated in the High School Plunge last year were, from left, Rod Clark, former head of special education Jeannie Hayes, then-senior David Muse, Vice Principal Bob Oullette, Principal Tim Kelley and Heidi Foster.

It’s already near the end of January, and as we plunge deeper into the winter, everything seems to be getting colder and colder.

The trees are glazed with snow and ice, and the possibility of a snow day looms around every corner.

And, of course, it’s perfect weather for swimming.

On Feb. 6, Hollis/Brookline High School students and teachers will participate in the second annual High School Plunge at Hampton Beach, going for a dip in the Atlantic to raise money for the New Hampshire Special Olympics.

To participate, each plunger must collect at least $150 in donations, and the plunging team that collects the most money will win a percentage of their donation to give to the cause of their choice.

Last year, the HB Red Cross Club took the prize and donated the money to Red Cross Disaster Services after the ice storm.

Now, with the 2010 dive coming up, students are eager to join in the action once again.

Senior Alyssa Landolt plunged into the water last year and is planning on attending again this year.

“So much money is raised for the Special Olympics, and each individual who participates helps make it possible for people to do something they thought they would never be able to do,” Landolt said. “It’s an amazing feeling making someone else’s life a little bit better, even if it means being freezing cold for five minutes.”

Another HB representative, senior Catrina Hellmer, said the plunge was a good experience, and, “The outside air temperature was colder than the water, so jumping into the ocean wasn’t as bad as I had expected. Although, taking my first few steps back onto the sand really took the breath out of me!”

Senior Corinne Holroyd attended the Plunge last year and is planning on swimming again in February.

“It was strange seeing snow on the beach before going swimming,” Holroyd said. “It felt really good to support a good cause.”

Along with the students, HB has a large number of faculty and administrators diving again this year. Principal Tim Kelley, Vice Principal Bob Ouellette and many teachers continue to support this good cause.

However, not only veteran jumpers are attending this year. HB students are getting involved once again, including new volunteers such as junior Shelby Hines.

Hines admits to worries about potential side effects of the cold water, but in the words of Landolt, success comes best when “ignorance is bliss. Don’t ask questions, just do it.”

Morgan Elliott is a junior at Hollis/Brookline High School.