NAHANT — More than 200 people will be freezin’ for a good reason this New Year’s Day.
Crowds of people will plunge into the icy cold water at Short Beach in memory of Michele Durgin, a beloved Lynn teacher and Item features writer who was killed in an automobile accident last January.
“Michele loved a good time,” said her sister Maura Durgin-Scully. “She would have loved this. She’d probably be embarrassed that this is all for her — she was a humble girl — but she would have been honored and that’s what we’re trying to do. We’re honoring her memory.”
The sandy spot behind Nahant’s historical Life Saving Station was one of Michele’s favorite places to be, said her sister, who will be running into the frigid waves at the start of the year alongside 206 people who have already signed up.
While everyone is there celebrating Michele’s legacy, the family — she has three brothers, Matt, Mark, and Michael; two sisters, Maura and Marcy; and 13 nieces and nephews — will spread some of her ashes.
“This is her favorite place,” said Michele’s niece Mattie Durgin. “It’s kind of perfect. I think she would love it but I don’t know if she’d go in. I think she’d say we’re all crazy.”
But Maura said her sister would definitely be in the water because she loved to have a good time with friends and family.
The event will raise money for a scholarship fund in Michele’s name, which will be awarded to two students at Lynn Classical High School, where she went to high school.
Michele taught English and religion at Pope John XXIII High School in Everett. She was an educator at St. Mary’s for 23 years, and at St. Jean Baptiste Elementary School for seven years before that. Her sister said she would have loved knowing she was helping students further their education.
The Freezin’ for a Reason started 12 years ago with just 13 people, said organizer George Sonia. It wasn’t until three years ago that it was turned into a fundraiser, but more than $30,000 has already been raised. One year the money was used to purchase a wheelchair-accessible golf cart, the next it paid for the installation of a splash pad at a park for children with special needs in Lynn.
T-shirts created with a cross that looks like an anchor and a heart above it are being sold for $25. The symbol was created for Michele and stands for faith, hope, and love, said Maura. Anyone with a t-shirt can take the plunge.
Jumpers will meet at Rolly’s Tavern in Lynn for lunch for a fundraiser and raffles. The restaurant will donate 20 percent of sales between 2 and 8 p.m. to the Michele Durgin Scholarship Foundation.
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte.
