Cheers echoed through the Hastings High School gymnasium Friday morning as students and staff gathered for a pep rally that would soon lead to a very cold jump for a very warm cause. Outside was the coldest day of the week, 30 degrees with a 35-mph sustained wind which made it feel like 15 degrees before the plungers got wet, but inside, it was 72 and sunny.

The school’s Polar Plunge event on Friday, March 13, began with an 8:30 a.m. pep rally before participants headed outside around 9 a.m. to plunge into icy water. The event raised money for Special Olympics Minnesota while also highlighting the school’s commitment to inclusion and friendship among all students.

Music played as students entered the gym to kick off the morning. Organizers welcomed participants and thanked those willing to brave the cold.

“Good morning, Hastings High School! We’d like to kick off the pep fest today by welcoming all of the amazing students and staff that are taking the plunge!”

The event also recognized the work of Special Olympics Minnesota, part of a global organization that promotes sports, leadership, and advocacy for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

“Special Olympics is an international advocacy & sports organization with over 5 million athletes worldwide. Everyday Special Olympics is building an inclusive world, a world that celebrates ALL abilities.”

Speakers emphasized that the event was not only about fundraising but also about strengthening the sense of belonging within the school community.

“Starting today, Hastings High School is becoming a leader in a worldwide movement,” organizers told the crowd. “So, we are here today to celebrate with you how inclusion makes each of our lives better and each of our communities stronger.”

Student leaders then addressed the gym, explaining why the plunge had become an important tradition at the school.

“We are here to talk about the reason we are taking the plunge today,” one student speaker said. “We will be freezing for a reason and that reason is inclusion.”

The school’s involvement in the Unified movement was highlighted as a key part of that effort. The program encourages friendships and shared activities between students with and without disabilities.

“Our school is leading the way with the Unified Movement at a local and statewide level, giving students with and without disabilities opportunities to come together and to form meaningful friendships.”

Speakers encouraged students to carry the spirit of the event beyond the day’s activities.

“While we are here together today to celebrate Inclusion in our school, we want this momentum to continue next week, next month, and the rest of the school year and that will take all of you to do so.”

Students were also reminded that those with intellectual disabilities face higher risks of bullying and exclusion.

“All students deserve to be included each and every day because everyone has value.”

The message concluded with a challenge to the student body.

“We are the Unified Generation. We help all students feel included. So, Hastings, we are excited to be in the movement with you, to take the plunge, and challenge you to CHOOSE TO INCLUDE today and every day!”

After the speeches, organizers began introducing the student teams, individual participants, and staff members preparing to take the plunge. Some volunteers signed up eagerly, while others were jokingly described as being “dared” into participating.

The school community also celebrated the fundraising effort behind the event.

“We are excited to announce that our school has raised a total of $11,673!! All of your donations will support Special Olympics MN in both our school and our community.”

Top individual fundraisers included Jacob Heinbuch, Nathan Schmidt, and Lucy Delgado. Nikki Peterson was recognized as the top teacher fundraiser, and the top fundraising team was Jacob’s Incredibles.

A friendly competition between staff members also brought a lighthearted moment to the pep rally.

“There was a good battle between Mr. Fairbanks and Mrs. Jonas. But JONAS took the lead! And that means that FAIRBANKS is going to serenade us with a little tune.”

Later, outside near the plunge area, participants reflected on the experience.

Student Zack Shatek said he took part because of his connection to the Best Buddies program and the friendships it supports.

“Being with Nathan, we're in Best Buddies, and doing it for them is a great thing. It's a great idea. I love it. It's, really, it's very cold, but it was, yeah, I was worth it, but it's cold.”

Peterson said she joined the plunge after a challenge from a former student.

“I have a former student that challenged me. She works with Best Buddies, Kalia Story, and she challenged Jackie Morrison and I to the polar plunge,” Peterson said. “And I didn't think I would right away, but then she asked me to jump with her and, how can you deny that.”

Her team raised about $1,500, and she ended up as the top teacher fundraiser.

Peterson admitted she was nervous heading into the icy jump.

“It was very cold. I'm not going to lie, I was nervous all morning.”

Once the pep rally began and she saw the turnout from students, the nerves faded.

“But then once you're in the Pep Fest and you see the amazing difference that it makes. I'm so glad I did it.”

Seeing so many students involved made the event even more meaningful, she said.

“It was so cool.”

Peterson also thanked the many people who helped organize the event and make it possible.

“Thanks to all the teachers who put this on and got this going and bringing it to our school and to Special Olympics Minnesota for giving us the opportunity to raise the money for these awesome kids.”

Shortly after the pep rally ended, students with wristbands made their way outside to the plunge area while others returned to class.

For the dozens who jumped into the icy water, the cold lasted only a few seconds. The sense of community, however, was something organizers hoped would last much longer.