The tradition continues! The Storm King School Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) once again convinced a group of fellow students and faculty to “Take the Plunge” to raise money for a good cause. On Wednesday, May 2, the entire school made their way to the riverbank at Donahue Memorial Park in Cornwall-on-Hudson to cheer on student and faculty volunteers for the third year in a row as they splashed their way into the icy waters of the Hudson River to raise money for Black Rock Forest.

 

Mr. Lewis dives in while Dr. Lance braces for the splash

 

The event, which is the culmination of a year-long campaign in support of research and education at Black Rock, raised $1,964 for the cause. Black Rock Forest Consortium’s Executive Director Dr. William Schuster stood with SKS’ Headmaster Jonathan Lamb to thank the NHS members and the volunteers before they jumped into the river: “Thank you, you crazy people! Black Rock loves Storm King. We really appreciate your help to raise money for research and education. We love it when member organizations [like Storm King] contribute, but we’ve never had one do it in such a crazy, wacky way, so thank you and congratulations.”

 

Our student plungers, left to right: Will Tian ’18, Tanes Chandran ’19, Jason Lin ’19, Braulio Ferriera ’18 and Richard Chen ’18

 

In the weeks before the event, Storm King’s NHS members went about the campus collecting donations toward the names of faculty and students they wished to see “Take the Plunge.” The names with the highest donation totals were charged with jumping into the river. First up to brave the cold water were the top five faculty members: Mr. and Mrs. Al Lewis and their dog Garvey, Dr. Lance, Ms. Schade, Mrs. Mendlewski, and finally, Headmaster Jonathan Lamb. Next to jump in were the top five students: Yen-Ting Jason Lin ‘19, Zhiyuan Richard Chen ‘18, Braulio Ferriera ‘18, Wenxin Will Tian ‘18, and Tanes Chandran ’19. The SKS community cheered wildly as the group splashed into the river wearing swimsuits, life vests, and a few in suits and ties.

 

Headmaster Jonathan Lamb surfaces after a cooling dunk

 

The SKS’ NHS Adviser was very pleased with the outcome of this year’s event and the NHS’ efforts to raise money for Black Rock throughout the year. “I am very proud of the effort made by Storm King’s National Honor Society to support our neighbors [Black Rock] this year. It takes a lot of courage to volunteer for this, so I wish to thank all who participated, as well as all those who donated,” explained the Adviser.

 

Executive Director of Black Rock Forest Consortium, Dr. William Schuster, poses with a dripping Headmaster Lamb

 

Following “The Plunge,” Dr. Schuster was presented with a check representing the total amount of funds raised for Black Rock this year. The giant check for $2,908.25 was handed over to Dr. Schuster in the Walter Reade Jr. Theatre by NHS member students. “Our school has always had a great partnership with Black Rock. The Storm King School wouldn’t be what it is without the Forest and the use of all of it’s great facilities,” said Headmaster Lamb. “With funds raised by the Plunge, hot dog sales on campus, pool tournaments, and other fundraising activities, we are proud to present this check to Black Rock Forest,” explained SKS’ NHS Adviser. A smiling Dr. Schuster said that with a matching donor, the total amount will double to $5,816 donated by SKS which will go toward Black Rock’s education fund. “Storm King’s support is very much appreciated. Thank you all for your hard work…and all of the hot dogs,” said Dr. Schuster as he accepted the check.

 

NHS students, their Adviser, and Headmaster Lamb hand over a giant check to Black Rock’s Executive Director Dr. William Schuster