- Meyersdale Area School District
- Overview
2020 Mini-THON is underway!
MEYERSDALE - “Be the change you want to see in the world” is a well-known quote by Mahatma Gandhi. In just five years, Meyersdale Red Raiders have not only accepted, but have also embraced that challenge through their dedication, support and commitment to various projects and causes. One of the largest projects, Mini-THON, is a district-wide effort to support the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. In just five years, Mini-THON has raised $34,746.19 to help fight pediatric cancer - “For the Kids (FTK)”!
Sponsored by the Meyersdale High School National Honor Society (NHS) chapter, the fifth annual Mini-THON is scheduled for the end of January. Students have already begun various activities and have set a fundraising goal of $11,000.
According to NHS advisor, Mrs. Jessica Deakins, students have “canned” for donations at fall and winter sports events. More recently, students have visited local businesses and organizations to seek their support for THON.
“We believe we can meet our fundraising goal with the support of business sponsors. We are accepting monetary donations, as well as food items for our concessions during THON events,” Deakins explained. “These donations are tax-deductible and can be made online, for businesses and individuals at https://fourdiamonds.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donate.event&eventID=2831, or Meyersdale Area High School Mini-THON 2020.”
Prior to Christmas break, NHS students hosted several kick-off events throughout the schools to raise awareness and get students excited about the role they can play to “help the kids.”
In December, members also orchestrated a Mini-THON dodgeball tournament for the middle and high schools, raising $2,000 for THON. NHS members also sold concessions,. such as buffalo chicken dip, nachos, walking tacos, pizza, desserts, floats and soda.
Elementary students are currently participating in the annual coin drive, and a friendly competition has developed among the homerooms to determine who will raise the most money. The winning homeroom will be awarded a pizza and dessert party. Mini-THON for the elementary school was held January 24 in the elementary school gym. Students enjoyed an afternoon of fun, dancing and games!
Middle school students will have their chance to dance and compete “For the Kids” during the morning hours of January 31. Mini-THON for the high school will also be held January 31, during the afternoon.
NHS students have scheduled a wide variety of activities and events for students to enjoy, as well as a full menu of concessions.
According to NHS President Emma Shearer, members have been working hard to create an event that will both entertain and inspire students.
“We are planning to have many min-games, like Hungry Hippos and Dizzy Bats, and we have come up with a few new ones we think the students will enjoy,” Shearer said. “Members have also been working on their own choreographed dance to present during the High School THON event.”
Preparing for THON takes a great deal of effort, planning and work, but Shearer said the NHS members are committed to doing this event to the best of their ability, always cognizant that it is indeed “For the Kids.”
“It is a lot of work, but we really enjoy getting everything ready, and the day of the event is great. This is a truly great cause and knowing we are helping kids and their families makes it worth it,” she added.
Mini-THON is modeled after THON at Penn State, the world's largest student-run philanthropic event. THON was organized in 1973 and has since raised over $150 million. Four Diamonds Mini-THON®s are fun-filled events for students of all ages that inspire teamwork, leadership and creativity, while empowering young people through philanthropy and service in the fight to conquer childhood cancer.
“Our students understand the value of this cause and recognize that they are truly making an impact. I believe they appreciate the sense of unity as they partner with Penn State to support children in the fight for their lives,” Deakins added.