BILL WEST / Star Beacon ASHTABULA POLICE patrolman Tony Tulino chats about the Tip-a-Cop program and Special Olympics with Michael Herrick and Joanne Grubbs,
both of Cleveland, Tenn., Thursday at Mary’s Diner in Geneva. GENEVA-ON-THE-LAKE — The faces of Pymatuning Valley students either light up in smiles or crease in sorrow at the mention of former PV High School Principal Jeffrey Meddock. Meddock, a popular school administrator and assistant boys basketball coach, died of a brain aneurysm in October 2008. PV students will jump into the freezing Lake Erie waters Saturday to honor the fun-loving Meddock at the 13th annual Law Enforcement Polar Bear Plunge. Meddock was involved in the plunge for several years, event organizer Chandra Brode said, and worked to get students involved in the annual charity event. The student portion of the plunge is dedicated to Meddock, Brode said. “A memorial to Jeff will be printed on the sleeve of the shirts given to students who take the plunge,” she said. The Polar Bear Plunge benefits Ohio Special Olympics and has raised more than $1 million in 13 years. Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition opportunities for adults and children with intellectual disabilities. Brode called participation of PV students “inspiring.”
“The students from PV are excited to plunge for Jeff Meddock,” Brode said. “His death shocked an entire community, and those kids took it hard. This is a wonderful way to honor and remember him.”