WYOAREA High School’s Mini-THON Exceeds

WYOAREA High School’s Mini-THON Exceeds
Posted on 03/19/2019
WYOAREA High School’s Mini-THON Exceeds On March 2 and 3, Wyomissing Area Senior High School hosted its seventh annual Mini-THON. Based on the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, more commonly known as THON, the Wyomissing Area Mini-THON has raised more than $250,000 since it began. Proceeds are donated to Four Diamonds Fund, which fights against pediatric cancer. 

Led by seniors Fanny Ortiz, Mia Huber, August Smychynsky and sophomore Camille Croft, the 60-member Mini-THON Committee worked tirelessly throughout the school year, in cooperation with the Wyomissing Area PTA and other community groups, to raise money and plan the 12-hour overnight event.

August was inspired to join the Mini-THON planning committee after watching how much his older brother enjoyed it. “My brother was surrounded by amazing people who were all working for a great cause, and I wanted that same experience,” August said.
  
This year’s Olympic-themed Mini-THON kicked off at 6:30pm with a carnival that was open to the public, with games run by high-school clubs. Elementary students and their families had fun trying their hand at ring toss, Plinko, beanbag toss, pin the tail on the donkey, and duck pond. There was also a moon bounce, photo booth, and face-painting booth.

At 8pm the doors were closed to the public, and the 303 senior-high-school students who had raised money for THON spent the night dancing and playing games into the early morning hours. To avoid sitting down or closing their eyes—both of which are against the rules—the students played bubble soccer and laser tag, watched a hypnotist, and enjoyed games with large inflatables. 

This year’s Mini-THON was dedicated to Celia Cosentino, a student in the district who is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for a brain tumor. Celia and her family were special guests, and Mini-THON attendees posted messages of encouragement for Celia on a large poster for everyone to see.

Math teacher Hilary Haubrich, the event’s advisor, could not have been happier. 

“The 2019 Mini-THON took home the gold,” Ms. Haubrich commented. “With a record number of student participants, Mini-THON surpassed its goal, raising $51,021.36!  I am always amazed by our wonderful students and their willingness to give back to their community. It’s a proud day to be a Spartan!” 

The Mini-THON Committee would like to thank Jennifer Mangold, supervisor of assessments and instructional interventions, along with teachers Meghan Tierney, Julie Gulling, and quite a few parents and Wyomissing volunteers who stayed all night for the event.