Pictured left to right: Madison Switzer, Natasha Camacho and Manhattan Miller
Batavia students have set an impressive goal to help local Special Olympic athletes.

Members of the high school chapter of Business Professionals of America (BPA) will be participating in the 2016 Polar Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 6.

They have set their fundraising goal at $11,000. All of the proceeds will help Ohio’s Special Olympics athletes participate in training and events.

Almost 100 students will raise money individually for the privilege of plunging into ice cold water. The team is mostly students; but the Batavia Local Schools superintendent, board members, administrators and a few teachers have also joined the team.

While the students are currently in first place out of 53 other teams, they have a long way to go to reach their goal.

“Raising money and participating in the Polar Plunge allows our school and community to come together for something that is greater than all of us. We realize that we are far from our goal right now, but we are confident we can reach it as the Plunge approaches,” said Alex Young, BPA President.

Chapter advisor, Angie Kovacs said, “students are asking family and friends to help them raise enough to participate, but we also have our fingers crossed for a few business and corporate sponsors. If we reach our goal we will have donated over $50,000 over the past 6 years.”

At a time when the accountability of the younger generation is questioned it is great to see a groups of high school students giving back to their community.

The plunge will take place at Joe’s Crab Shack in Newport, KY beginning at 11 a.m. For more information, sponsor a team member, or to join the team visit http://2016ky-ohpolarplunge.kintera.org/bataviabpa.

Business Professionals of America is the leading student organization for members pursuing careers in business, information technology and other related careers.

BPA members are in the Great Oaks Legal Management and Support satellite program at Batavia High School.