FTK, meaning “For the Kids,” is the famous slogan and central idea behind Penn State University’s THON program. THON, established in 1973, is a student-run event that raises money for children and families that have been impacted by pediatric cancer.

For the past two years, PAHS has organized a Mini-THON that raises money for the Four Diamonds Fund, the organization behind supplying families with financial aid and support. The members and advisers of the community service clubs and Mini-THON committee plan and organize the annual event. It was held February 27 from 2-10 p.m. in both of the high school’s gyms.

Mr. Nathan Halenar, English teacher, Key Club adviser, Mr. Ben O’Brien, science teacher and Key Club co-adviser and Mr. William Rhoads, math teacher and Student Council adviser, had their hands in making Mini-THON an annual event.

“I think things went well although we obviously missed the band for attendance purposes,” Mr. Halenar said. “To be able to raise almost $5,000 to donate to such a worthy cause is a commendable event for all involved.”

Mini-THON provided students an opportunity to change a child’s life. The students competed in various activities such as a beanbag toss and volleyball games. They were also able to have the unique chance to write letters to children staying at the Penn State Hershey Medical Hospital and send them kind words of encouragement.

Sophomore Luke Joyce and senior Mitchell Robison beat seniors Alyssa Kondrack and Delaney Golden in the beanbag tournament. The winning volleyball team consisted of juniors Jordan Abdo, Justin Abdo, Kyra Schenk and Eric Wapinsky and seniors Anthony Angelichio and Sadie Cresswell.

“It’s fun to be in the Mini-THON volleyball tournament with all of my friends. We get to play against the rest of our friends, and I like just being able to play without any stress,” junior Kyra Schenk said. “We won the tournament two years in a row and I wouldn’t want to be on a team with anyone else.”

Even if a student did not compete in any of the games, he still had numerous opportunities to have an exciting day. DJ Dave Smith played all of the latest hits for students to dance and sing along to. Face painting sessions and refreshments were also available for purchase, as well as a photo booth for students to take pictures in.

“My favorite activity at Mini-THON was the volleyball tournament because of the competition,” senior Elizabeth Walters said. “This year’s Mini-THON was better [than the first] because we were able to raise more money.”

To raise money leading up to the event, members of Key Club sold Mini-THON quarter zips and T-shirts. Students were asked to wear this clothing to Mini-THON as a sort of spirit wear. Some members of Key Club canned to collect money at the football and basketball games. Most of the dues that club members pay were also donated.

At the end of the night, the total amount of money donated was $4,712.42. They raised $803.57 more this year than was raised at the first Mini-THON. All of the proceeds will now be donated to the Four Diamonds Fund at PSU Hershey Medical Center. If one did not attend this year’s Mini-THON, there is still time to donate online at http://fourdiamonds.donordrive.com/.

“Mr. Rhoads, Mr. O’Brien and I are contemplating several changes to entice more student participation. We will know more as to what we are changing after our upcoming Mini-THON meetings,” Mr. Halenar said.Ea