The excitement and the nervousness in Mrs. DePinto’s voice was very noticeable as she and Mr. Moton were preparing to take Saluda Trail’s Ice Bucket Challenge. Those sounds turned into a ” high pitched squeal ” soon after the large tub  of ice was dumped over their heads.

Mrs. DePinto jumped up and ran.

“It was cold,” said Mrs. DePinto. “Right before the ice water was dumped, I was getting nervous as I saw the volleyball players fill the tub with lots of ice, then water,” she added. “I knew it was going to be cold, but I had no idea how bad it would be.”

Mr. Moton, however, barely budged.

“The water was not cold to me, because I am an athlete,” Mr. Moton said.

Mrs. DePinto and Mr. Moton were among several STMS teachers and staff members who completed the challenge – which involved people getting doused with buckets of ice water, creating a video and challenging others to do the same. Students were able to vote on those they wanted to accept the challenge and donated money for the ALS. Often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain.

Coach Margie Clark, a P.E  teacher at STMS, organized the challenge which promoted the awareness of the disease and encourages donations to research.  Saluda Trail raised $400 for the cause.

“I thought this was a great way to raise money for ALS,” said Coach Clark. “I feel it is my responsibility as a parent, a teacher, a Christian and a citizen to always be looking for better ways that I can help the environment and world I live in a better place for everyone.”

Coach Clark said the challenge was dear to hear heart. “ALS is what my father died from, and I could possibly have the gene,” Coach Clark said.

The ALS challenge began sweeping the nation during the summer. Peter Frates, a former Boston College baseball player who was diagnosed with ALS in 2012 is credited as the creator of the Ice Bucket Challenge. Millions of dollars have been donated. People everywhere seem to have been doing it including NFL and MLB teams, other schools, parents and even students.

“This was a fun and exciting way to raise money for ALS,” said Gavin Bennett 8^th grader at Saluda Trail Middle School.

Mrs. DePinto agreed.

“It was all for a great cause, and I am glad I could help in a small way,” she said.