Swampscott Yacht Club Donates Polar Plunge Proceeds Toward School Trip

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Some Swampscott eighth-graders will be enjoying the annual school trip to Washington D.C. this spring with the help of funds raised at this winter's Swampscott Yacht Club Polar Plunge.

The New Year's Day race into the icy ocean waters is held each year on Fisherman's Beach and is organized by the SYC and supported by town residents and businesses.

Proceeds from the event benefit local causes and initiatives each year as the plunge has grown into a meaningful tradition with a strong sense of community giving. This year, members Mike and Christine Hartmann led the efforts working alongside 8th grade SMS teacher Kevin Rogers.

"This event is about more than just jumping into the Atlantic in January," said Mike Tracy, Commodore at Swampscott Yacht Club. "It's about showing our students that their town stands behind them and wants them to have the same experiences as their peers.

"The response from the community has been incredible."

The donation will support students who need financial assistance to attend the trip — which is a formative and memorable experience.

"We're so grateful to the Swampscott Yacht Club and the larger community for stepping
up in such a big way," Rogers said. "This donation ensures that cost isn't a barrier and that every student has the chance to learn and grow from this experience."

More information the SYC and its fundraising efforts can be found here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)