Alexis Taylor, sophomore criminal justice major and Vice President of the Criminal Justice Club, has gained experience already in her work with the club at Waynesburg University. As a freshman, Taylor participated in the club’s annual Polar Plunge event.
For the past five years, the Criminal Justice Club has participated in the Polar Plunge in Pittsburgh. Teams meet near Heinz Field before plunging into the Ohio River.
The CJ Club raises money through the event for the Greene County branch of Special Olympics.
The department works with the Greene County branch of the organization to raise money and put on events for the athletes. James Tanda, director of Security Operations and Emergency Management and instructor of criminal justice, had been involved in the program and brought the idea to the Criminal Justice club when he began working for the university.
“We are blessed to have the opportunity to lead by example,” Tanda said.
Taylor feels that another benefit for the students is the ability to meet and work with law enforcement officials, as many attend and take part in the event.
“A lot of law enforcement agencies participate in it,” Taylor said. “That’s why I like that the CJ Club is involved with this one.”
Last year, the CJ Club finished first in fundraising out of all teams that participated in the event. As of last Friday, the club is placed 14th out of 99 teams for this year’s event, and is second in college affiliated teams behind a team from Carnegie Mellon.
Through their work with the Polar Plunge, Tanda estimates the club has raised over $15,000 for Special Olympics in the past four years. He believes the event gives students the opportunity to, “find out what they are made of,” and experience “the feeling of giving.”
Taylor has experienced that same “feeling of giving” in her experience with the Polar Plunge last year and as Vice President of the Criminal Justice Club this year.
“From last year to this year, being more involved in the CJ Club and doing more with the Special Olympics, seeing how much it benefits the kids and how much fun they have with all the different events we put on, just seeing how happy it makes them, really makes all of our hard work pay off.” Taylor said.
Taylor said that the students will be “freezin’ for a reason” and that knowing the money they raise goes to make sure local athletes can compete free of charge makes the plunge worthwhile.
“Knowing that I’m raising money and jumping in the river for a great cause is incredible,” said Taylor. “But knowing that I’m making an impact on those kids lives is what really makes it all worth it.”
Taylor wants students to know that they are still able to participate in the Polar Plunge, which will occur this Saturday, Feb. 24, and that it is a unique experience worth trying.
“I signed up again and I am really excited for the Polar Plunge for my second year,” said Taylor. “I would encourage it, it might seem a little daunting having to jump in the river, but if you want to plunge, I think it was a lot of fun.”
To register or donate to the Criminal Justice Club, visit bit.ly/wucjpolarplunge.