On Friday, November 11, students of Bellefonte Area high school  gathered together to raise money for Student Council’s Mini-THON in their efforts to fundraise for Four Diamonds. This recreational volleyball tournament raised money for pediatric cancer patients. 

Family and students were welcomed to spectate the event, which began at 6:00 p.m. The proceeds from both the registration fee of the players as well as the ticket sales will be donated in the spring. Mini-THON merchandise, concession food, and various other events were held at the event that contributed to the raised funds for the cause as well. 

Out of the entire student body, eleven teams were assembled, each featuring a creative theme and team name.

“My team was called the Booty Bumpers. We all wore the same shirts so we would match,” senior Taylor Fallon said. 

The winning team, “Safe Sets,” was composed of juniors Carly Clarkson, Jacob Corman,  Grady Garrison, Trevor Johnson, Jonathan Nadolsky, Grace Novitsky, Ethan Tomassacci, and senior Madison Melius. 

Student Council Advisors, government teacher Mr. Edward Fitzgerald and history and AP Psychology teacher Mrs. Christine Morris worked hard alongside the Mini-THON committee to organize a fun and interactive way to get students to give back to the less fortunate while participating in a fun game. 

“They were extremely well-behaved and very competitive at the same time. They also had to endure a long, but enjoyable night of volleyball,” Mr. Fitzgerald said. 

Together, the participants and spectators raised just under $1,000 for Mini-THON.

“This event was a student-run event. Students took care of setting up the teams, creating the rules, running the games, selling tickets, and merchandise throughout the event,” Mrs. Morris said. 

One of these students included Julia Huntsinger, a Bellefonte High junior who helped run the event with Mr. Fitzgerald and Mrs. Morris. 

“I mostly focused on communicating with the teams and getting the rosters. The Student Council plans to host a dodgeball tournament in the winter/spring to raise more money for the high school’s Mini Thon,” Julia said. 

Plans the Mini-THON committee have to raise money for childhood cancer do not stop here. With a history of various fundraising events, the group aims to continue supporting those in need both now and in the near future.