While there are many traditions at Dallastown Area High School one event stands out the most: Mini-THON.

It’s a big night where students come together and stand for a cause for twelve hours to raise money for Four Diamonds. The organization helps kids and parents fight against childhood cancer.  

 “Four Diamonds ensures that the families affected by childhood cancer never have to see a medical bill,” Mini-THONS co-committee head Lindsay Lehman says. 

Mini-THON is only open to grades nine-twelve. For the past three years middle school students get to experience what it’s like being at mini-thon even tho it’s a bit smaller.  

Mini-THON organized a Mini-Mini-THON were middle school students are able to get a feel for the real event. They do most of the same actives but there event is smaller.

“The students will learn the line dance, play sports in the gym, do activities and crafts, and have a few together times in which they learn about the importance of Mini-THON,” Finance committee advisor Mrs.Smeltzer said.

Mini-Mini-Thon this year will be held on January 25 from 6-9pm since their event is only three hours long. “Mini-mini-THON is only 3 hours and isn’t as big as an event,” head faculty adviser Mrs.Werner said. 

Students in middle school need to raise a minimum of $25.00 to attend their event they need to register on Donor Drive so they keep what they have raised safe. The top three highest fundraisers get to be a part of the high school’s Mini-Thon! 

On November 8 2024 Mini-Thon members went down to the middle school to show and tell what their event was going to be like and why they should Thon. 

When being a part of the Mini-THON committee it’s important to help out. An event like this needs experienced members so the night can go smoothly. 

“Mini-THON members will be at Mini-Mini-THON to help it run smoothly and oversee the activities throughout the night. We help serve food, play games with the kids, and teach the line dance,” says Lehman.

Since members of Mini-THON are at the event this is like there dress rehearsal for the big event. They can practice their dance, see what actives work well, and reveal what they have raise from there event.

Last year Mini-Thon raised a total of $1335,486.67. This year they hope to raise more money for the kids. 

Mini-Thon this year is going to be held on February 28th-March 1st. Students need to register on Donor Drive and raise a minimum of $50.00 to attend the event.

  Many students hear the words For the Kids and that is what they are thoning for. “Students in middle school and high school should THON because it is a life changing experience, both for them and the families they are supporting. Anyone who is able to help children who have been diagnosed with cancer should do their part. THON is important because it saves lives,”Lehman says.