By Peyton Johns, Sports Editor 

On Dec. 6, Colleen Wilkinson, Associate Professor of the Education department here at Daemen, took a group of students, including her family and friends, to the nineteenth annual Special Olympics Polar Plunge hosted at Woodlawn Beach State Park. 

Wilkinson and her team of 22 individuals raised $12,255, which was enough to sponsor 24 athletes for the upcoming Special Olympics. The Wildcats team won the College Fundraising Challenge for a fifth consecutive year, with physician assistant student Ava Johnston winning the top fundraising student award for raising $5,434. 

“Growing up with my mother teaching special education, I have always wanted to get more involved in the community,” said fifth-year participant and Childhood Education major, Rebecca Rappold. “In my junior year of high school, I got the opportunity to join our Unified club and participate in bowling, basketball and even flag football at the Bills practice field. This was also the year I started Polar Plunge, and I loved it. Raising money for such an important cause puts a smile on my face; there is truly no greater joy.” 

Rappold’s influence and passion for this event show the real impact the event has on the community. 

McDonald, senior childhood education major, stated that the experience brought the Education Department here at Daemen together. Wilkinson provided snacks, subs and lots of coffee to keep volunteers going that morning.

“Having the opportunity to participate in the Polar Plunge to support the Special Olympics was an unforgettable experience,” said McDonald. “It was so inspiring to support athletes and contribute to a community that is built on inclusion and determination.”