Despite an early morning snowfall, the Dutchess BOCES Polar Plunge team braved the elements on Sun. March 1, to participate in the Hudson Valley Polar Plunge, a fundraiser for the Special Olympics. This year, the event held at Eastdale Village in the Town of Poughkeepsie, was one of three plunges in the Hudson Valley, with others taking place at Dutchess Stadium and Marist University.
Temperatures hovered only a few degrees above freezing, but as the Polar Plunge motto says everyone was “Freezin’ for a Reason.” Team captain Erin Scott has led the BOCES team since its inception in 2013. “The plunge is a great way to raise awareness and funds for our athletes,” explained Scott. “One hundred percent of monies raised stays right in the Hudson Valley to support our athletes.
“Events like this not only support our athletes but it provides a time for our school community to get together and have a little fun,” she added.
The team was a mix of new, repeat and veteran plungers hailing from the Career & Technical Institute (CTI), Resilience Academy (RA), Salt Point Center (SPC) and their family members. Experienced jumpers included CTI Teacher CJ Kelly, who has been on the team for 13 years and SPC teacher Tracey Smith who was making her 11th consecutive polar plunge for BOCES.
Resilience Academy teacher Jeff Scalzo estimated he has been part of the team six times, since he made his first jump in 2016. “It’s nice to see the community atmosphere here,” remarked Scalzo, noting that during Covid a lot of what made the event special was lost.
CTI Principal Jason Lloyd, a first-time participant, joined in whole-heartedly. “Taking the icy leap at this year's Polar Plunge event was equal parts bravery and crazy decision-making,” shared Lloyd. “One second I was confident and pumped, the next, I was questioning my choice to voluntarily jump into this liquid ice!”
Rounding out the team were: CTI teachers Rebecca Canning, Amanda Scoca, and Amy Smith, joined by her sister Michelle Deragon, plus Laura Kelly, along with the youngest member of the team, her nephew, Richie Piliero, who was thrilled to be there after badgering his aunt to let him join the team for several years.
The 11-member Dutchess BOCES team was the top fundraiser for their location, easily surpassing their goal of $5,000 by more than $400!
