Pattonville students took the plunge and ran into a freezing cold Creve Coeur Lake on Saturday, Feb. 23.

Every year, Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) hosts many events, including the Polar Plunge, to raise awareness for those with disabilities. Team members raise at least $75 per person to participate in the plunge and then finish it off with a jump into a cold lake.

An hour before the plunge, participants went to the registration table so they could turn in any money that wasn’t turned in online.

Student Council member Jordyn Lodes was motivated to raise money for this cause.

“It was really cool to see my donation amount going up as I explained the cause to more and more people,” she said. “The actual day of the plunge was exciting because there were so many people there and everyone was so dedicated to SOMO’s cause. As for the actual jump, the water was colder than you could ever believe.”

Even though it was pouring down rain, 463 plungers participated in the Maryland Heights Polar Plunge. They waited outside, which was 42º F, and even had to wait longer because of a lightning delay, but eventually they were able to run into the 32º F lake.

Overall, the Maryland Heights Polar Plunge raised a total of $101,339 and at least $3,465 was contributed by the high school’s Student Council team.