On Sunday, April 7, over 100 students and faculty members gathered near Lake Wononscopomuc for the annual tradition of the Polar Plunge. The event was initiated by the local community at the Grove, Lakeville’s community beach. 10 years ago, Mrs. Caroline Kenny-Burchfield ’77, coordinator of volunteer programs, and Mr. Christopher Burchfield, who coached the Varsity Lacrosse team at the time, invited the team members to participate in the plunge.
As time passed, more students became interested in the event and St. Luke’s Society decided to initiate the plunge from the school’s beach. Polar Plunge has been an annual tradition for eight years.
This year, with a 51°F temperature, the participants plunged into the freezing water. After the plunge, they were rewarded with a bonfire, s’mores, baked goods, and hot chocolate.
Anya Bixby ’25, a Polar Plunge participant, said, “Diving into the freezing water is not the most enjoyable thing, but it’s fun because we do it together. We are so lucky to have access to this lake.”
Charlotte Wood ’25, a co-head of St. Luke’s, said, “It’s an easy thing to do and it’s for a meaningful cause.” For many years, donations to the Polar Plunge have benefitted the local Jane Lloyd Fund.
The fund was established by the family of Jane Lloyd, who suffered from breast cancer, in response to the generosity Jane received from the local community when she was battling the disease.
The charity is committed to supporting local patients with their day-to-day living expenses. The fund aims to improve the life conditions of cancer patients, from covering the cost of medical transportation to electrical bills. This year, the Polar Plunge raised over $800 for the fund.
Mrs. Burchfield said, “Community members living with cancer are in the fight of—and for—their lives; the Jane Lloyd Fund ensures they don’t have to worry about financial ruin.”
Eleanor Helm ’25, a St. Luke’s board member and lifeguard at the event, said, “St. Luke’s is a club dedicated to establishing a connection with our local community. We all have so much to give, and the Polar Plunge is a way for everyone to give something as a community.”
“It is deeply gratifying to help a fellow community member in their time of need and hosting a fundraiser is an effective way to truly make a difference in someone’s life,” Mrs. Burchfield said.
