As Northwestern Lehigh Superintendent Dr. Mary Anne Wright walked down the parking lot 6 p.m. May 21 to the group gathered near a water tanker, there were cries of "Here she comes."

Ten years ago, Northwestern Lehigh graduate Brett Snyder was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Four years ago, he began using a wheelchair.

His wife, Carissa, has hope of his recovery.

"We have faith he will get better," she said. "We have a loving community and are very blessed."

The family now lives in Macungie but Brett was raised in Northwestern and attended the Northwestern Lehigh School District.

He also attended Lehigh University, but now needs 24-hour nursing care.

The Cold Water Challenge to Wright was initiated by history teacher and track coach Dave Kerschner and Wright's niece Mallory Brinley.

School board member Greg Sanders, who owns a water hauling business, Aqua-Duck, offered to bring a tanker holding 7,200 gallons of water. His wife, Kim, said they donated use of the tanker.

Northwestern Elementary students decorated the blacktop in the parking lot with sea animals and the word "Splash."

"For all the bad things that happened to you in school, you get rid of the demons by spraying the superintendent," said announcer Eric Haas, "Brett, we love you."

As the first stream of water hit her, Wright scrunched her face in shock, but quickly adapted to it.

Wright was asked if she was OK.

"I'm no quitter," she replied.

In turn, she named members of the board and administration and said they should dip into some cold water and have videos posted on the district website.

"I continue to be a very proud member of this community because it always comes out to support special causes," Wright said.