Thousands of students from across the state traveled to Sandy Point State Park on Friday to do something really “cool” for Special Olympics.

The event was the Frigid Friday Plunge, an official partner activity with the Maryland Special Olympics’ Plungefest, which allows schools to bring teams of students to a smaller, more manageable event. The official 2011 Polar Bear Plunge takes place on Saturday at Sandy Point.

Despite the chilly, snowy weather, the spirits of the teen participants and their parents, teachers and coaches were not dampened and all were excited to spend the day together representing their schools.

Coming just in the nick of time, Arundel High School’s group, with more than 400 students, was cheered for their amazing efforts. They were the number one fundraising team of the day, raising over $30,000.

Other schools from the county were well-represented.

“I can’t tell you how excited I am to jump in this cold water,” said a very pumped-up Broadneck High School student Michael Asero. “I’ve never done it before but it has to be awesome.”

Freshman Grant Boone of Broadneck raised the most money for his school team, more than $700. His secret? “I raised it through my mom’s e-mail list,” he said.

Enjoying the music of one of the two rock bands performing for the crowds as they waited for the big moment, South River boys lacrosse player Joe Long said his school brought more than 60 players to the event. “We all wanted to come out as a team for a good cause,” he explained.

As the plunge time neared, students received a thank you and pep talk from Tim Tooten, education reporter for WBAL-TV, an official sponsor of the event.

“Look at all of you here, despite the school delays and the snow this morning,” he said to the ever-growing crowd. “We are so happy that didn’t stop you from coming.”

Northeast High School students quickly changed into their swim gear and huddled together minutes before the big event. At the center of the group was senior Patrick Fogarty who proudly carried the Northeast flag. “This is the first time our school has done this,” said Fogarty. “I have volunteered with the Special Olympics before so this means a lot to me.”

South River High School students of Edgewater came in second with another impressive total of $19,000.

As noon grew closer, students were told to proceed to the beach, where the WBAL-TV chopper was waiting to capture the big moment that was to be live on the station’s noon news broadcast.

“Go, Wildcats, go!” cheered Arundel High principal Sharon Stratton as a big wave of green T-shirts could be seen running toward the bay waters.

As the students shivered and headed toward the changing areas, staff members reminded them as well as their chaperones to make sure that hypothermia was avoided.

“We are so happy to be here,” commented Diane Gonzalez of Stevensville Middle School. “Last year, we came for the later plunge and they canceled it. This year we made it!”