State High students hosted the very first Happy Valley Mini-THON at State High’s North Building gymnasium on April 20, 2018.

In past years Mini-THON was an event for State College middle school students. However, alumni middle school students, now students of State High, have brought the event to the high school.

Carrie Little, senior, was the executive director of Happy Valley Mini-THON, and was highly involved in both the club and event, “This year has been quite the struggle getting this club and event off the ground, but it was worth every minute.” In past years Little has been a dancer, captain, and alumni overall at Mini-THON, “I’ve been involved in Mini-THON for six years now, and it’s the only thing that I’ve been really passionate about through high school,” Little said.

Happy Valley Mini-THON is a fundraiser hosted to benefit the Four Diamonds program at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. Four Diamonds is dedicated to fighting against childhood cancer by supporting affected children and families. The program also covers all cancer related medical expenses for children at the hospital. Additionally, the program funds for effective cancer treatments and innovative research.

Numerous students came out to the Mini-THON event in support for the Four Diamonds program: Leigh Jacobs, sophomore, shared her appreciation for the Four Diamonds program and explained why Mini-THON was so important to her. “One of my family friends was diagnosed with pediatric cancer and she is currently 4 years old and has been going through quite a bit of treatment. I wanted to help the cause that helps them,” Jacobs said. Chloe Bevilacqua, junior, shared her love for the Mini-THON environment and why she danced at the event. “When I was in elementary school I knew two families who had a kid with a cancer and saw some of the struggles they were going through,” Bevilacqua said. Madison Lambert, senior, came out to the event to support the program, her family and family friends. “I’ve had close family and family friends diagnosed with cancer, and I’ve seen how cancer has affected others,” Lambert said.

The very first Mini-THON hosted at State High was a success. Abby Grunwald, sophomore, a member of the planning committee for Happy Valley Mini-THON, was grateful to all the students who came and was excited about the event’s future at State High. “It was a huge honor being asked to help organize and plan Mini-THON this year, I look forward to seeing it grow at the high school,” Grunwald said.