St. Cajetan Preschoolers Recreate North Avenue Beach, Take the Plunge

CHICAGO — Nearly 70 preschool students at St. Cajetan School in Beverly took part in a mini-Polar Plunge Wednesday, recreating North Avenue Beach in their classroom. The preschool classroom was transformed into an underwater oasis with students – dressed in summer wear – running through an obstacle course and dunking their feet in icy buckets of water. Students from St. Cajetan School are raising money for Marty, Reese and Lucy’s Warriors, one of Polar Plunge Chicago’s largest teams.

The preschool plunge started six years ago in honor of Reese Panatera, sibling to a St. Cajetan preschooler at that time. It has grown to this exciting event which also honors Lucy Hayes, sister of two current St. Cajetan students, as well as Marty McGowan. all of whom are participants in Special Children’s Charities programming at the Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Schools.

Polar Plunge Chicago, which benefits Special Olympics Illinois and is presented by Special Children’s Charities, will take place at 10 a.m. Sunday, March 2. Thousands are expected to dive in the icy waters of Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach at North Avenue and Lake Michigan (1601 N. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive).

Registration is now open online at specialchildrenscharities.org through Saturday at 3 p.m.; or at North Avenue Beach on Sunday. Registration is free, but plungers must raise a minimum of $100 to receive a coveted Polar Plunge Sweatshirt and to take the PLUNGE.