Students Participate in a Twelve-Hour Long "Mini-THON"

While allowing high school students to stay up all night is not typical, when done so to raise money for a vital cause, it is encouraged. This was the case over the weekend as students organized a Mini-THON event at the School to raise awareness and funds to conquer pediatric cancer. As reported by the Four Diamonds foundation, Mini-THONs are fun, full-night events that empower students to put their leadership skills to work to help combat childhood cancer.

The Student Events Committee (SEC), with guidance from Assistant Dean of Students EJ Soifersmith and lead student organizer Jenna Trezza '18, coordinated the event with rotating activities on the hour every hour from 6 p.m. through 6 a.m. At midnight, DJ Sherley Arias-Pimental '19 brought everyone to their feet for a full hour of blacklight dancing. At 5 a.m., Director of International Travel Programs Mr. Omaña led a group of sleepy-eyed III and IV Form students in a competitive corn hole game that quickly enlivened the group. Even Roxie, faculty member Mr. Hargrove's corgi, stayed awake for the event to make a 3:30 a.m. appearance.

"It was awesome to plan an event for a good cause. It feels great knowing that so far we have raised $2,235 and that number is still rising," remarked Jenna '18. "Thank you to everyone for the help in planning the event as well as for attending the event and sticking it out the entire night!"

All proceeds for the evening go directly to Four Diamonds Fund, an organization which serves to cover 100 percent of medical costs for 100 percent of the eligible pediatric cancer patients at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. This is Canterbury's second year hosting a Mini-THON, initiated by the Class of 2017 student leaders.