Twenty-seven students from Earl L. Vandermeulen High School recently braved the cold waters of Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai to take part in the eighth annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics.

Accompanied by teachers Deirdre Filippi and Jesse Rosen, members of the high school’s varsity club participated in the event that is sponsored by the Town of Brookhaven. They were among the hundreds of people out to support the sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Their fundraising efforts helped secure nearly $1,500, which will sponsor four athletes for a year.

“We chose the Polar Plunge because as a community service-minded group, we thought that it would be a great way for our students to see how their combined efforts could have such a wonderful impact upon the greater community,” said Filippi. “Since our club is centered around student athletes, we couldn't have picked a better organization (Special Olympics) to help raise money for.”