Image: Chloe King and Dr. Baton popping Ms. Ragonese
By: Sophia Braida
Last Friday, Wallenpaupack held its 6th annual Polar Pop fundraiser. Twenty-five teachers volunteered to have water balloons popped on them outside the gym foyer during second and third block, and students were invited down to watch and count down. Donations were collected through the school’s online fundraiser page and at lunches; the more money in a teacher’s cup, the more balloons were popped on them.
Funds from Polar Pop benefit both the school’s unified programs and Special Olympics, supporting inclusive athletic opportunities for students with and without disabilities.
This year’s event earned approximately $1,020, the highest total Wallenpaupack has ever raised and the first time surpassing the $1,000 mark. The enthusiasm at Wallenpaupack mirrored a larger effort across schools in Northeast Pennsylvania. “Cool Schools” Polar Plunge and fundraising teams collectively raised more than $70,000, surpassing their original goal of $55,000, to support Special Olympics programming in the region.
Together, these efforts show how local schools are embracing the spirit of giving and inclusion, using creative, fun fundraisers like Polar Pop to make a meaningful impact on athletes and unified school communities alike.
