If you are a current Pennridge High School student who loves to support a good cause and have fun, Mini-THON is the perfect club for you. Mini-THON supports pediatric cancer awareness by raising donations through its fundraisers and countless events. Mini-THON is based on Penn State THON, a student-run organization that supports children battling cancer and is also donation-based. They partner with Four Diamonds, a foundation that helps children confront their fears involving their illness. THON runs a 46-hour-long event with no sitting or sleeping to stand up against pediatric cancer. The overall goal of both THON and Mini-THON is to raise donations in support of childhood cancer treatment and research.
At THON, there are a variety of activities and games leading up to the main event, including the THON 5k, a family carnival, athletic relays, and fun games. Then, of course, it finishes with the 46-hour-long dance marathon. Pennridge also has events leading up to Mini-THON, such as the Gold-Out football game, small fundraising events at restaurants like Chipotle, Stall Day, and other fundraising events. Pennridge Mini-THON has been around for over 18 years and shows no signs of stopping any time soon. Allyson Kearney, a chemistry teacher at Pennridge High School and Mini-THON advisor, stated, “The goal of Mini-THON is to raise money to support kids and families who are going through pediatric cancer, as well as to support research and any breakthroughs.” The cause for this event brings the community together to support children and their families emotionally and physically, which is truly beautiful.
Past and present members alike can attest to how important Mini-THON is. Sara Schmidt, a 2025 Pennridge High School graduate and former overall chair member of Mini-THON, spoke about how Mini-THON made a huge impact on her life throughout her four years of high school. “I got to witness and hear so many stories of how Four Diamonds helps children and their families,” Schmidt said while talking about how her involvement in the club contributed to her character today. She is currently studying to become a pediatric oncology nurse, and her university works with Penn State Hershey Hospital, which is where Four Diamonds funding goes. Despite being out of high school, her time spent in this club has had a lasting effect on her. However, Schmidt recognizes that Mini-THON comes with its challenges, too. “The biggest challenge I experienced while running Mini-THON was participation from the school. Many events required the school community to be involved, and it’s hard to get a lot of student engagement,” she said. Schmidt continued to say, “I believe that everyone should be involved in Mini-THON at least once, as it benefits such a good cause and one hundred percent of the proceeds go to Four Diamonds to help families in need.”
Pennridge High School senior and current overall chair member of Mini-THON, Cecilia Whalen, says there is something for everyone in Mini-THON. Whether you’re more sporty or artsy, there is something here for you. “I started getting involved with Mini-THON by going to football games, but if they’re more into art, I would tell them to come to Creative Committee meetings,” Whalen said. She also mentioned how it’s a great way to make new friends. Whalen does it all in Mini-THON. She is currently working on Ball for a Cause, selling t-shirts at lunch, making posters and crafts for the craft fair, as well as sending out emails to businesses for upcoming fundraising ideas. She loves Mini-THON for its community aspect. “Even if we play different sports or are in different classes, every Friday we come together and talk about Mini-THON and bond over the love we have for raising money to help families and kids who don’t get the same opportunities we do,” Whalen said. It is apparent that every member of the club has mentioned its endless positive benefits.
If you are a current student at Pennridge High School and are looking to support a good cause, all while having fun and making new friends, then Mini-THON is the club for you. Current and past members have mentioned how the club has changed their lives for the better, and encourage others to do the same. Once again, all proceeds of Mini-THON go directly to Four Diamonds to help children and families in need; all of this is for the kids. Get involved, Pennridge!
Sources:
https://www.fourdiamonds.org/event/pennridge-high-school-mini-thon-2025/
