High school unified club highlights Polar Plunge, reports $24,714 in 2025 fundraising

Students and staff from the high school unified club told the Iroquois Central School District Board of Education about the district’s long-running support for the Western New York Polar Plunge, a Special Olympics New York fundraiser that the presenters said is the largest of its kind in the state.

"The Special Olympics Western New York Polar Plunge is the largest of its kind in the state," said Mattie Meascll, identifying herself as a unified club member, describing the event’s role in raising funds and building relationships between students with and without disabilities. Eevee Kent said Urkquoy (transcript spelling) has been one of the most influential and top fundraising teams; she reported that the district raised $24,714 last year and $124,700 over the last eight years. Student presenter Brad described how the event supports Special Olympics activities and gives participants social opportunities.

Sean Lober, identified as a high school special education teacher, told the board the unified program now serves about 40 unified club members in the high school and that the district is proposing to expand K–12 unified programming, including a modified middle-school basketball program and additional primary and intermediate activities. "We've done so much great work raising money and awareness for students with disabilities so they can participate in Special Olympics New York," Lober said.

Board members and administrators congratulated the students and noted the district recently received state banner recognition for its fundraising work. The presenters said the district fielded 62 students and staff in last year’s plunge and set a participation target to exceed 100 in 2026.

The presentation concluded with the board thanking students and staff for the program’s growth; no board action was required beyond recognition.