Unified students take the plunge

Kelly Higgins and Victoria Failla hold up their hands and circle each other while performing a dance at a Project Unify club meeting.

BY FRANCESCA PANETTA

On November 17, members of Project Unified dunked themselves in the cold water of the Atlantic Ocean as part of a fundraiser for the Special Olympics and the Unified Program.

Karlie Buchbinder, Jordan Connolly, Zach DeLuca, Luke Kennedy, Victoria Krol, Ryan Kuhl, Madison Reese, and Gabriella Remotti all checked in with the organizer of the event and received sweatshirts before taking the plunge. “It was an amazing experience,” said Remotti. “Being surrounded by so many positive people for a good cause was inspiring.”

Everyone willing to take the plunge lined up, and the DJ counted down until they ran into the sea. “It felt like when I had to do the ice bucket challenge, but it was worse because it wasn’t cold water on just my head,” said Buchbinder.

Kennedy Rhodes and Maya Grden show off their paper bag puppets, a craft they created at a Project Unify Club meeting this fall.

Participants heard the whistle and ran into the 52-degree ocean water. “The water wasn’t as cold as I expected it to be, and, once you got in the water, it was honestly not that bad,” stated Connolly.

The Old Bridge Unified program raised a total of $2,810 through the event. “The money is split between fundraising for Special Olympics New Jersey and OBHS Play Unified,” explained Brooke Chlebowski, faculty advisor for the Unified Program. The funds will go towards items and supplies needed for Unified activities, such as sports equipment and craft materials.

Isha Patel, Dylan Malik, and Emilee Pitzel participate in a Project Unify game where students pass a ball around and take turns sharing something about themselves.

This event achieved more than collecting donations; it also inspired the volunteers. “The Polar Plunge was very eventful, and it made me realize how facing challenges as a team is better than having to face it alone,” shared Reese.

Project Unified represents a great opportunity for all students to make a difference by promoting inclusion. “Talking and meeting new people is a great experience,” said junior Jamie Schmier. “I like finding out I have many things in common with my peers.”

Project Unified met multiple times on after school in the fall. “We work together in the games we play,” stated Annalisa Coco. “Like in kickball, we play the same position to assist each other.” While the club has currently gone on hiatus, they plan to reform in March and meet throughout the spring.

Luke Kennedy, Zach DeLuca, Karlie Buchbinder, Madison Reese, Jordan Connolly, Gabriella Remotti, Victoria Kroll, and Ryan Kuhl pose for a picture on the beach before taking the Polar Plunge to raise money for the Unify Program.

The Unified Program has existed in OBHS for years, but it constantly evolves. “The club continues to expand to offer different opportunities,” said Chlebowski. “We’re hoping to offer a couple new programs this year such as Unified Cheer and Unified Dance.”

The Unified Program also includes the Unified Generation class and Play Unified, which currently features athletic teams for track, basketball, and cheerleading. “What I like about the Unified Generation program is how we always include each other and work together as a unit,” said Buchbinder. “The whole class is like one big team.”

Victoria Krol hands a ball to Frank Lorence during a Project Unify game to signify it is his turn to share.

The Unified Basketball season kicked off on January 2 with a home win over Hillsborough by a score of 35-30. “I feel excited that the season is starting,” said returning player Voctoria Krol. “This is my last season playing, unfortunately. I plan to score another 100 points.”

Students should keep an eye out for upcoming games and the return of the Project Unify club. The basketball team will play another home game at 4pm on January 11.

Posted on 1/8/24

Photos provided by Brooke Chlebowski

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