By Rose O’Connor |  Correspondent

Hundreds of supporters hit the beach in Long Branch Jan. 11 and were “Freezin’ for a Reason,” at the ninth Annual Ancient Order of Hibernians Patrick Torphy Division of Middletown Polar Plunge for Catholic Education. 

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The event was first held in 2007, and has only expanded since then. Funds raised through the event are used for scholarships, financial aid, endowments and facility projects in Catholic schools. And because the AOH raises the funds necessary to host and manage the event, all money raised directly benefits participating schools.

This year with water temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean dipping into the mid-30s, school communities from Monmouth, Ocean and Mercer counties gathered at McLoone’s Pier Village before taking a dip themselves.

“It’s great to see everyone come out and support our schools and Catholic education,” Neil Begley, principal of St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft, said gesturing to the massive crowd assembled on the beach as he prepared to head into the Atlantic.

As she prepared to wade into the icy waters with her family, Julie Tartza, whose children attend St. Aloysius School, Jackson, spoke of the sense of community that the Polar Plunge created.

“It’s the sense of community that you feel in Catholic schools that brings us all together with all of these other crazy people,” she said with a laugh. “You don’t get this community feeling in other schools.”

Mary Liz Ivins, principal of Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, commented, “This shows such a strong sense of community and support for Catholic education. It’s wonderful for children to see how many people support them. It’s a great vision for them.”

There were many supporters carrying their school flags, banners and blankets as they remained on shore and waited to offer relief and warmth for the participants as they emerged from the frigid waters.

“It was freezing!” Savannah Gonzales and Summer Broo said in unison as their mothers helped quickly dry the daughters and cover them with warm towels.

Gonzales and Broo, both eighth grade students in All Saints Regional School, Manahawkin, and parishioners in St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Brant Beach, wanted to support their school during their final year.

“We wanted to raise money for our school,” they explained.

Jim Shaw, a member of St. Mary Parish, New Monmouth, and chairman of the Polar Plunge, said that one of the initial goals behind the event when it was first established was to raise a collective $1 million in funds for Catholic education. To date, he said, they have amassed nearly $700,000.

“Way to go!” Colleen Naughton, mother of three students in St. Mary School, New Monmouth, said with excitement as she cheered on children and her fellow school families.

“I believe in Catholic education,” she continued earnestly. “I believe in the students we are producing; they have God as their compass.”

Nicholas Demuria, a junior in Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, spoke of the values he’s acquired and how his faith has been enriched through his own Catholic education. Noting that he serves as a fifth grade catechist in his parish, St. Benedict, Holmdel, Demuria commented on how the Polar Plunge has become a tradition and how “it helps our Catholic schools.”

While freshman Catherine Bannon from St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, is not sure whether she will participate in the polar plunge again because “it was so cold,” she, along with her mother, recognize the value of Catholic education.

“The education is faith-based and I want her to understand her Catholic faith,” Patrician Bannon stated. “This is so important in our world today.”