Do the Right Thing: Carmalena jumped in ice-cold water for a good cause

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — News10NBC is celebrating the winners of the spring’s “Do the Right Thing” award. Meet Carmalena Loughlin from Canal View Elementary in Spencerport, a brave girl who jumped in ice-cold water to raise money for the Special Olympics.

Carmalena was nominated by her father, who does the Polar Plunge every year to benefit the New York State Special Olympics. This year, 6-year-old Carmalena overheard her father speaking to someone about the plunge and began asking him questions.

Carmalena set up a fundraising page with the goal of raising $60. She surpassed that goal and raised over $400 and yes, she jumped in the ice-cold water as well.

The “Do the Right Thing” awards, organized by the Rochester Police Department since 1995, recognizes students for their courage, kindness, heroism, leadership, or other attributes.

Any student enrolled in grades K-12 in any Monroe County school is eligible for nomination. The good deed the student is nominated for must have occurred in Monroe County within one year of the nomination. Anyone over 18 years of age can submit a nomination form (this includes family, friends, school staff, coaches, etc.).

Learn more about nominating a student here: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/DoTheRightThing/