Nine teams went head to head in this year’s Mini-THON volleyball tournament hosted by Student Council members and history and Psychology teacher Mrs. Christine Morris.
“I think as a community, Mini-THON allows schools in PA to come together to help out the children who are undergoing care,” Mrs. Morris said.
Mini-THON is a very serious topic. It is a sponsored organization by the Four Diamonds, who raises funds for pediatric cancer. It is called Mini-THON because it’s based on The Penn State University (PSU) THON. THON is a 48-hour dance marathon which takes place every February at University Park.
This year for Mini-THON, Bellefonte High (BHS) chose to host a volleyball tournament as in past years. Mrs. Morris continues the tradition past Student Council advisers have created.
“I’m excited to see the results of all of the planning turn into something fun for the BASD community, while also directly supporting the people who really need it,” junior Jalyn Meckley said.
The tournament took place on Thursday, November 7. They raised $1,200 from the tournament. All proceeds will be donated to THON at PSU.
“Seeing the success of this tournament and the amount of money we made was extremely satisfying. I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to help plan and execute school-wide events,” senior Brady Miller said.
Although the sound system wasn’t working, the tournament was a success. The students who attended to watch started singing the National Anthem, which was a blessing in disguise. Brady and another student hope to make an after-school THON awareness event with many more tournaments to come. Mrs. Morris has also made some changes to BHS Mini-THON.
“This year, we are supporting not only the Four Diamonds fund that raises funds for kids with cancer but also donating a portion to one of our own BAHS students who is going through cancer treatment,” Mrs. Morris said.
It is truly hard to imagine what these kids are going through. This is why THON and Mini-THON are so important.
“I guess it just makes the bad times easier when there are people to back you up and help you through it, whether that be financially, physically, or emotionally. Helping the kids means so much and giving back in any way possible is so so so important,” Jalyn said.
Many students from the Student Council are involved in Mini-THON. For some students, it might hit close to home and that’s why they chose to help. This volleyball tournament is just the start and hopefully, there are many more opportunities and Mini-THON events to come.
