Elementary School Polar Plunge Raises 4,200 For American Heart Association

Bush Elementary School students, Madelyn Wilkins and Lucy Hockenberry, dump water on teacher Jennifer Lindquist, as she participates in a "polar plunge."

JAMESTOWN – A polar plunge organized by staff at Bush Elementary School in Jamestown has raised over $4,200 for the American Heart Association.

This was the 12th year the school has held the fundraiser which promotes a active and healthy lifestyle.

Last week staff completed two “polar plunges,” one for the morning shift and one for the afternoon.


“I loved seeing the teachers take the plunge and getting to throw more cold water on them,” said Bush Elementary School third grader, Sonny Mason, who raised $575, the most money in the school. “I think it’s important to raise money for the American Heart Association because it helps people. And, some kids are born with bad hearts and hopefully the money will go to find medicine to help them get better.”

Bush Elementary School physical education teachers, Jay Grann and Shawn Reed, partake in the program each year.

Bush staff members after their morning “polar plunge:” Shawn Reed, Kevin Swanson, Cristin Hockenberry, Jennifer Lindquist, April Shoup and Jay Grann.

Teachers, Cristin Hockenberry, Jenn Lindquist, April Shoup, Kevin Swanson, Amy Anderson, Gary Gustafson, Steve Swart, Amy Vezina, Nikki Perez, Principal Kate Benson and Mr. Grann and Mr. Reed participated in the “polar plunge,” which was beamed virtually to in-person and at-home students so everyone, including families, could participate.



“In addition to the physical education connection, we also like to teach kids that there is always something they can do to help others out,” said Grann. “In this case, they help themselves by staying active and heart research by raising the money.”

This year, the physical education teachers have emphasized being active for an hour every day. With students at home a lot more, teachers have tried to show them how to be creative with things at home in order to get exercise and have fun.

Bush staff members in the afternoon after their “polar plunge:” Nikki Perez, Steve Swart, Amy Vezina, Gary Gustafson, Amy Anderson and Principal Kate Benson.

 



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