Students and staff at Alan B. Shepard High School braved icy water Thursday, March 5, as they took part in the school’s annual Polar Plunge, raising thousands of dollars in support of Special Olympics athletes.
The plunge took place on the school’s football field, where participants rotated through three different shifts throughout the day and cheered each other on as they jumped into a cold-water pool set up for the event. Alan B. Shepard High School is located at 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave. in Palos Heights.
The plunge was part of the school’s Wild, Wild Respect Week celebration. The theme of this year’s plunge was “Respect: We Keep it 100,” and students were encouraged to dress as if they were 100 years old.
Ashley Lythberg, a special education teacher and Special Olympics coordinator at Shepard, said the event brought together students and staff around a cause that has become a beloved school tradition.
“This week is about celebrating inclusion and supporting our Special Olympics athletes,” Lythberg said. “I love how much the students get involved and take charge of decorating, fundraising, spirit days, the plunge and the assembly. They are such a great group of kids who truly want to make Shepard inclusive for all.”
A total of 84 participants signed up to take the plunge this year, including 54 students and 30 staff members.
By Thursday, the team had already raised about $16,000 toward its $17,000 goal, with a few days still remaining in the fundraising campaign. Last year, the Shepard team raised just under $19,000.
Students also helped boost donations by selling Special Olympics wristbands for a $1 donation. All funds raised go directly toward supporting Special Olympics athletes in the region.
The Polar Plunge is one of the signature fundraisers for Special Olympics Illinois. Participants across the state jump into icy water to raise awareness and funding for year-round sports training and competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
The Shepard team reached a milestone this year and celebrated its 10th year participating in the Polar Plunge. The team originally traveled to a lake in Joliet for the event. During the COVID-19 pandemic, participants completed plunges from home. Since 2022, the school has hosted the plunge on campus.
Many students said the cause behind the event carries personal meaning.
Erika Byrdak, 17, of Alsip, said the event connects with both her career goals and personal experiences.
“As an aspiring special education teacher, the Special Olympics is a cause very dear to my heart,” Byrdak said. “Not only do I absolutely adore each and every one of our POWER buddies, I have seen my close family friend with Down syndrome shine through the wonderful opportunities that the Special Olympics provides. I am so grateful for the opportunity to plunge in the Polar Plunge as it is a way to help spread inclusion and create even more opportunities for those in special education.”
Byrdak also said the Respect Week assembly held at the school stands out as a highlight.
“At this assembly, the students at Shepard buy Special Olympics wristbands to come watch our special education students play a basketball game,” she said. “I get chills at these assemblies because just by talking to our buddies, it is very clear how much this means to them.”
Lilyanna Villarreal, 17, of Alsip, said the Polar Plunge brings students together while supporting an important cause.
“I’m taking the plunge to support the Special Olympics and make a difference,” Villarreal said. “Respect Week brings us together to have fun while supporting an amazing cause. What I love most about POWER PE is how we uplift our buddies and build meaningful bonds. Together, we’re creating a more inclusive future for people of all abilities.”
Kristen Barrett, 16, of Crestwood, said her involvement in the program has had a lasting impact.
“I am plunging to support inclusion and because POWER PE has been such a positive influence on my life,” Barrett said. “I never liked dancing until my buddy showed me how to have fun with it. I look forward to the class every day, and this is a way of giving back to the program, especially considering how much I feel it has impacted me.”
Barrett said the excitement across campus during the week adds to the experience.
“My favorite thing about Respect Week is seeing everyone dress up in theme and get excited for the plunge,” she said.
Lythberg said the week concludes with a school assembly celebrating the athletes and the spirit of inclusion.
“The spirit that the student body brings to the assembly on Friday to cheer on our Special Olympics basketball team is my favorite part of the week,” she said. “Watching our athletes get the support and recognition that they deserve is the best way to wrap up our celebrations.”
