The wintery temperatures of March 5 didn’t deter the scores of staunch supporters as they gathered on the beach of Sea Bright, braving the frigid ocean waves for the 16th annual Polar Plunge for Catholic Schools, sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

All ages joined in the sea dip, hailing from several near-shore schools that have a long history of robust participation.

To view a gallery of courtesy photos from participating schools, click HERE.

“There were more than 125 participants this year; nearly 75 parents and friends came out to support the Polar Bear Plungers, in addition to nine teachers, administrators and staff,” said Dr. Mark DeMareo, principal of Holy Cross Academy, Rumson. The school’s involvement “has grown by leaps and bounds … Our first year of participation was in 2017.”

Likewise, St. James School, Red Bank, saw a crowd that has been building during the 12 years it has participated in the Plunge.

“Students from across grade levels took the cold plunge, along with many of our parents,” said teacher Kira Nelson, who counted 30 participants in all.

“Each year we hope for warm weather – but no matter the weather, our families come out in support of our school; we are so blessed to such supportive families!” said JoAnn Giordano, St. James School principal.

St. Mary School, Middletown, has participated since the event’s inception 16 years ago, and estimated more than 225 participants this year. Principal Craig Palmer has found that the Polar Plunge serves “to build a sense of community in our school as we all work to accomplish the same goal. [It] serves as a reminder to all just how precarious a place we all seem to be these days regarding finances and the cost of educating a child in 2022.” 

Normally a fixture of Catholic Schools Week, the Polar Plunge was moved to March this year to accommodate pandemic restrictions. The AOH finances the personnel, insurance and necessities surrounding the event logistics; in the past 16 years the organization has helped to raise $1.5 million for Catholic Schools, according to Jim Shaw, Polar Plunge chair. Shaw is an alumnus of Mater Dei Prep, Middletown, and member of the AOH Monmouth Division.

Schools set their own entrance fees, secure sponsors and collect 100 percent of the profits, Shaw told the Atlantic Highlands Herald, with the AOH absorbing the approximately $5,000 it takes to run the event.

“The event has grown to … almost 30 participating schools from the Diocese of Trenton and other dioceses,” Palmer pointed out. He said that funds raised allow for the purchase of items and resources otherwise outside the school’s budget. “In the past, we've installed Wi-Fi throughout our entire building, placed climate control units in each classroom and hallway, replaced an oil boiler with a high efficiency natural gas boiler, and built a state-of-the-art science lab.”

“It’s an engaging way to involve [everyone] in an enjoyable, school-spirited fundraiser,” Dr. DeMareo said, noting that all the students in Holy Cross Academy were actively involved in fundraising by obtaining sponsorships. “Many members of the community [sponsored] the students … Holy Cross also held grade-level competitions with prize incentives [such as] ice cream sandwiches as a kick-off to the event.”

“We are very grateful for our business sponsors – Good-N-Tuff Landscaping and Seaview Auto,” Nelson said. “Plungers raised funds with the help of family and friends; we also sold commemorative Polar Plunge drink tumblers.”

Giordano is constantly amazed by the number of those willing to enter the ocean in winter. “This year it had a feeling of spirit and excitement. It was so energizing see families joining together – all for a common cause,” she said. “There are so many families who understand the value of a Catholic education.”

[[In-content Ad]]

St. Mary School enlisted the help of a Polar Plunge Committee – some 20 volunteers – to run individual, grade-level and family competitions in the run up to the big splash, and utilizing an online donation page, dine-to-donate events and collection competitions.

“We even have our own Polar Bear mascot named Shiver who kicks off the fundraising drive with an appearance in front of the whole school,” Palmer said. “All registrants receive a Polar Plunge hat or scarf in SMS colors, and we give have a congratulatory treat for the entire school if we hit our goal.  This year’s goal was $50,000, which we hit in 2020.” As of publication, the school was on track to meet that goal again.

Plungers themselves reflected on the event as one that allowed their direct involvement in the financial strength of their schools.

“This is my third time participating,” said HCA sixth grader Juliet Swanton. “I wanted to help raise money for my school and extracurricular activities. Receiving a Catholic education lets me explore my religion and focus on my values as a Christian student.”

Christian Ramos, HCA eighth grader, also participated for the third time. “A Catholic education means having roots in my faith and living a life of service … It was important to me to see everyone help raise money for the school,” he said. “This year over $30,000 was raised; I was extremely happy to see this because I want to see the spirit of the school live on.”

St. James’ third grader Beckett Fogliano jumped into the ocean for his second year. “It’s so much fun jumping in the freezing cold water and hanging out with my friends,” he said. “It’s fun to see all the other Catholic schools come together … and we all get to raise money for our schools.

“I really like learning about God, Jesus and the Sacraments,” Beckett said of his Catholic school experience. “The stories I hear [about Jesus’ life] help me learn about being a better friend and a better big brother. They teach me how to be kind and help other people.”

St. Mary’s sixth grader Sean Kamin jumped into the ocean for his third year, but it was the first time he said he went all the way underwater.

“I want to participate because I love representing my school, and I am happy to help raise funds to improve my school,” he said. “It’s a fun way to bring awareness to how important a Catholic education is, and to make sure that St. Mary School is around for years to come. ... I can learn openly about my faith every day and share [it] with others.”

DeMareo, Giordano and Palmer all expressed gratitude for the AOH’s involvement and financial contribution.

“We are so appreciative to the Ancient Order of Hibernians for supporting Catholic education,” Giordano said. “Money raised helps to support our school expenses, which tuition alone cannot cover.”

DeMareo agreed. “I can’t express how grateful we are to the AOH for doing this year after year,” he said. “They are truly heroes for Catholic education.”

“This year was the first time many of our families had the opportunity to experience the Plunge due to COVID,” Palmer said, “but they all immediately came to a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of a Catholic school community and the feeling of working together … for the sake of their children.”