Vinal Tech SkillsUSA members once again reign as the school group braving the elements to “plunge” for CT Special Olympics. On Saturday, February 23, 2008, 15 students raised money and then plunged into the icy waters of Crystal Lake in Middletown to support the programs provided to athletes through CT Special Olympics.

Middletown High School and Coginchaug High School students showed up to challenge Vinal, but once again, the Plunging Pirates of Vinal Tech reined victorious raising $1,598 and winning the much coveted Rockin’ Schoolhouse Award.  They chose the theme of Plunging Pirates and worked diligently to raise the money needed to plunge.  The minimum amount for students to raise in order to be eligible to plunge is $50 and most of them went above and beyond raising over $200 each for CT Special Olympics.

There was even a Vinal Tech alumnus who plunged.  Nick Angello, who is a 2007 graduate,  has been plunging for Vinal for 5 years now and told Mrs. Leahy, the SkillsUSA co-advisor that he will be plunging, raising money and representing Vinal Tech for many more years to come.  Vinal Tech SkillsUSA students also had a surprise “plunger” show up to represent.

Teacher, Eugene D’Ambrose came out to support the students and ended up plunging with them.  It was quite a welcoming surprise since the Crystal Lake water temperature on February 23rd was a balmy 32 degrees.  Winter Storm Destiny hit the state the day before the plunge and the weather was blustery, cold and a little snowy but the Vinal Tech SkillsUSA Plunging Pirates accomplished what they set out to do…raise money for CT Special Olympics and win the Rockin’ Schoolhouse Award.  Congratulations to SkillsUSA and the Vinal Tech Plunging Pirates!