At St. John's High School in Shrewsbury, two junior students proved that leadership isn't just about having great ideas—it's about what you do when things don't go according to plan.

Nate Jastrab and Rishi Kulkarni had set their sights on organizing a school-wide Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics Massachusetts. As partners on Shrewsbury’s Unified Soccer team, both students had been inspired by their experiences connecting with Special Olympics athletes and saw the Plunge as a fun, meaningful way to raise funds and awareness. But when logistical hurdles blocked their plan, they didn’t walk away. They pivoted.  

With the help of their Religious Studies teacher and Service Club advisor, Renju Paul (known to students as Mr. Paul), they brainstormed a new idea: a school-wide dress down day on Friday, March 7th. At St. John’s, where students are typically in uniform, the chance to dress casually for a good cause quickly gained traction. They encouraged donations of $2 or $3 per student and spread the word through posters and intercom announcements. By the end of the day, they had raised $1,800 for Special Olympics MA. They brought the check directly to the state office themselves—no audience, no spotlight—just two students committed to doing their part.

Behind the fundraiser was something deeper: A genuine connection to the inclusive spirit of Unified Sports. For Rishi, the experience of working with Special Olympics athletes stood out on a personal level.  

“How nice and outgoing [the athletes] were blew me away. In day-to-day life you're struggling, but with them, I just purely enjoyed it,” he said.

Their involvement also shaped the way they saw themselves and their school community.  “I think our role in Special Olympics is we show up, interact with the athletes and we're part of the team,” said Nate. “I think for us high school students, that's really important as well. It's also important for other students to see other people who experience different things and get to know what everyone is dealing with.”

Virginia Davidson, Special Olympics MA board member and local program coordinator for the town of Shrewsbury Special Needs Program, has worked closely with both students since they joined Unified Soccer.  

“I think sometimes our Unified Partners get more out of the program and out of the process than our athletes do—having them on the fields or on the courts with them,” she said.

Renju saw the impact firsthand as well. “I would like to say that every student in their own way is a leader,” he said. “They express their leadership ability in different forms. These two students, Rishi and Nate, express themselves by wanting to do something for a good cause.”

While both students will graduate next year, they’re already working to ensure others follow in their footsteps. According to Virginia, they’ve started encouraging younger classmates to get involved, helping ensure the movement for inclusion continues long after they’ve left the school. Their work is a reminder that leadership doesn't stop at a "no"—it adapts, finds a new way, and keeps going.

“My hope for that, is that students will continue to do stuff like this so that more lives can be affected positively,” Renju added.

What started as a simple idea to support a cause they care about turned into a lasting contribution, sparking a ripple effect within their school community.

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