VIDEO: Clarence Polar Plunge Team Raises More than $18,000 for Special Olympics New York

Clarence Central School District students and staff showed their support for inclusion and their fearlessness for frigid temperatures as they took part in the 2025 Buffalo Cool School Polar Plunge.

Clarence was one of the top supporters among school teams in its second year organizing a team for the event, raising more than $18,000 for the work of Special Olympics. This year, more than 60 students, staff, administration and Board of Education members came out from Clarence to Woodlawn Beach State Park for the December 5 plunge.

“It’s just a lot of fun, and it’s for a really great cause that trickles down to every school in western New York.” said Catherine Shaughnessy, a Clarence High School teacher who organized the team with fellow teacher Beth Brawn. “It’s fun to see all the kids out there for a great cause, all on the same team.” 

Annie Zobel, a Clarence High School junior, said being able to experience the challenge as a group made it better.

“It was freezing, but it’s funny watching everybody go in,” she said. “Everybody’s cold together.”

In the leadup to the event, students and staff spoke to WIVB-TV about the wide-ranging classes and activities that bring students of different abilities together, from unified classes and clubs to athletic teams in bowling and basketball. The main tent for the event had a party-like atmosphere, with dancing and on-stage celebrations for top-performing students and teams.

“It’s eye-opening,” said senior Melia Brunner. “You see how much joy it brings.”

As the top-performing school team for its time slot, Clarence’s squad led the participants to the beach, with the torch carried by Shaughnessy and Clarence High School student Elizabeth Jonas. With their opportunity to enter the water, the Clarence group moved as they had during their fundraising: Full speed ahead. 

More information about Special Olympics New York can be found at https://www.specialolympics-ny.org/.