Red Raiders turn blue at Penguin Plunge to help a great cause

Front row, from left: Halle Gooley, Alicia Oumsang, Faith George, Geana Torres and Coach Sheila Colson; back row, Izzy Eames, Tyler Ricard, Garrett Langis, Assistant Superintendent Kyle Repucci and Ashton Langis. (Courtesy/Rochester Schools)

ROCHESTER - Several Spaulding High students from the Student Athlete Leadership Team participated in the High School Penguin Plunge last weekend.

The Penguin Plunge, held on Saturday, at Hampton Beach, brought together high school students, faculty and staff from throughout New Hampshire in support of Special Olympics of New Hampshire and its partner organization, Project UNIFY.

Spaulding students raised $1,800 to benefit those causes.

This year marked the first time that Spaulding entered a full team, which was organized just a week ahead of time by SHS Physical Education Teacher Sheila Colson. Temperatures on plunge day peaked at just 25 degrees.

"The Plunge was a fun way for our students to get involved and give back to two worthy organizations," Colson said. "I'm thrilled with how enthusiastic they were about participating, and we all had a great time."