ABOVE: Unified Cardinals coaches and Fairmont High School teachers Shawna Zabinski and Joelle Thomas stand beside their thermometer chart, which reflects how much money has been raised for the upcoming Polar Plunge, which supports both Special Olympics Minnesota and Unified Cardinals.

FAIRMONT — In just over a week, the annual Fairmont High School (FHS) Cool School Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics Minnesota and Unified Cardinals will take place at FHS. It’s set for 2:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27.

Unified Cardinals Coaches and FHS Teachers, Joelle Thomas and Shawna Zabinski, are on the preparation side of things.

“We’re trying to get all the last-minute details done. We got lifeguards we got to find yet. We have our goal that we’re still trying to meet and just trying to get a little bit of logistics done before that day. There’s a lot of moving pieces,” Zabinski shared.

Since Mark “Rex” Hernes’ retirement last year, Thomas and Zabinski succeeded him in his role and hope to have a strong event at this year’s Polar Plunge.

They shared that they and students are putting in work to rally more participants behind the Unified Cardinals and partake in the Polar Plunge with a registration booth at the school lunch room and polar bear-themed activities, community letters and social media.

Presently, 33 people have registered to participate next Friday, including students, FHS staff members the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and other supporters.

With the efforts to grow the Polar Plunge team being made, Thomas and Zabinski hope the numbers go up significantly from both students and the community.

“I think not only is it a great opportunity to get involved, but it’s a great opportunity to do something meaningful and valuable when it comes to inclusivity and helping out Special Olympics,” Thomas said.

During the event, those who are registered will leap into four feet of freezing water using the custom unit, ‘The Plungester’, so all participants can celebrate together on FHS grounds.

Thomas and Zabinski themselves have also previously participated in many Polar Plunges and are happy to keep continuing to support the cause in the name of inclusivity and support of the two groups.

“The amount of excitement that the kids have, not only our athletes, but our partners as well, just keeps us going because it’s something that kids look forward to every year. It’s something out of the ordinary that not every school can say that they do. So it’s very unique to this area. I think we’re just proud to be a part of it and to be able to say that we provide this opportunity and we’re able to help facilitate that. It’s really cool to see all the students get excited about it.” Thomas said.

“There is a lot of front loading of things that you have to do to make an event like this possible,” Zabinski added. “However, when you see the impact that it has and how it benefits Special Olympics and our Unified program, it makes it all worthwhile. It is such a rewarding thing to be a part of.”

Of the $12,000 goal, currently $1,826 has been raised for Special Olympics Minnesota and Unified Cardinals year-round programs and opportunities.

Thomas and Zabinski said that the community and school’s willingness to participate is a testament to being a unified front when it comes to making sure everyone is represented in the community.

According to www.plungemn.org, plungers are encouraged to bring a towel, old or waterproof shoes and dry clothes. Separate dressing rooms will be available at the event.

Registration to plunge is available until the day of the event. Individuals or groups who are interested in participating in the Polar Plunge by plunging, donating or both, may visit www.plungemn.org/events/fairmont-high-school-cool-school.