Clare-Gladwin Area School staff members take the Polar Plunge; More than $1,200 raised for Special Olympics

On February 21, five members of the Clare-Gladwin Area School staff participated in the 2015 Polar Plunge, leaping into icy waters in the parking lot of O’Kelly’s Sports Bar and Grille in Mount Pleasant to raise funds for the Special Olympics of Michigan. An event presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, a total of $1,230 was raised by Area School Principal Mike Simon, Teachers Melissa Kleiman and Tom O’Brien, Paraeducator April Marsh, and Administrative Assistant Jennifer Warren.

By tradition, Polar Plunge participants arrive in costume for the jump. Together known as Team Spice Rack, the staff members each dressed as a shaker of food seasoning including dill weed, cayenne pepper, cinnamon sugar, ground ginger, and poultry seasoning.

 Despite the frigid temperatures, “The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day to go for a dip! We want to thank all of our supporters,” said Warren.

Student Alisa also represented the Clare-Gladwin Area School at the Plunge.

Area School principal and teacher take the Polar Plunge

Clare-Gladwin Area School teacher Mike Simon and Teacher Melissa Kleiman braved the frigid temperatures as they leaped into the Central Michigan University Rose Ponds on Feb. 15 for the 2014 Polar Plunge. An event made possible by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the Polar Plunge raises funds and awareness for the Special Olympics of Michigan. Simon and Kleiman raised $480 for the cause.

“The best part of the plunge is seeing how everyone, including the plungers, medical personnel, spectators and volunteers, came together with a positive attitude to support all that Special Olympics stands for,” said Kleiman. “The atmosphere surrounding the plunge was a happy, proud, and uplifting one that seemed to make everyone involved feel accomplished and warm despite the cold temperatures!”