Students at the Montessori International Children's House (MICH) in Broadneck raised more money than any other private school in the state for Special Olympics Maryland in the 2012 Plunge Fest.

The Top Cool Schools award is given to the school that raises the most money in each of the four divisions: elementary, middle, high and private schools. Though the plunge itself was in January, the top award wasn't announced until recently.

“[The Plunge] is a such a worthwhile cause for us to support and a wonderful example to our students on the importance of their community service efforts,” said Colette Tettemer, Team MICH's captain, in a press release. 

Jean Burgess, MICH's administrative director, said raising funds for the plunge helps to build the students' sense of community by working toward a common goal.

Burgess also noted that the school collected canned goods for the holidays, provided Thanksgiving dinners, and sent books to the Lakota Indian Reservation library.

"In each of these activities all our students have learned giving back to the community, concern for others, awareness of community needs, and the joy of working together to achieve a goal,” Burgess said. 

The school teaches toddlers through sixth grade and is accredited by the Association Montessori Internationale.

For more information about MICH, visit their website or call 410-757-7789.