The Orono Unified Club is holding a Polar Plunge on Tuesday, April 8th. Students are excused from class during the day to “plunge” in a mobile pool outside of Pesonen Stadium.

In order to plunge, students have to register with their sports team or activity and raise at least $5o.

35% of what students raise goes towards that student’s team or activity, and the remaining 65% is given to Special Olympics Minnesota. As of the time of writing, 16 OHS activities are signed up for the plunge.

“The remaining amount goes back to Special Olympics to fund champion schools and to […] promote inclusion and acceptance for all” Unified Club advisor Ms. Swenson said.

Students are encouraged to participate, as plunging is not only a lot of fun but it also benefits their team/activity and special-needs students across Minnesota. Students can also receive various rewards for each fundraising milestone they reach. The milestones are listed below.

$50 – Special Olympics Minnesota t-shirt
$100 – Special Olympics Minnesota t-shirt and pair of socks
$250 – Special Olympics Minnesota t-shirt and winter hat
$500 – Special Olympics Minnesota t-shirt and sweatshirt
$1,000 – Special Olympics Minnesota t-shirt, pair of socks, winter hat, and sweatshirt

The 2025 OHS fundraising goal is $30,000. As of the time of writing, $16,305 has been raised by 209 students.

To sign up for the plunge, go to this website and click ‘register.’