The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, commonly referred to as THON, is a two-day, non-stop dance rally that takes place every February at Pennnsylvania State University in University Park, PA. Over 15,000 Penn State students participate each year in the marathon that raises money to combat pediatric cancer via the Four Diamonds Fund.
The spirit of THON extends beyond the two-day dance at Penn State. High schools across the state of Pennsylvania are getting involved. In fact, more than 100 schools and 20,000 students are participating in the Mini-THON program across the state.
Bethel Park High School is to the only school in the South Hills area to host the dance, which is set for Saturday, March 8, and will continue into Sunday, March 9.
Senior Katelynn Vlahos has taken the lead in organizing Mini-THON at Bethel Park.
As Mini-THON is highly anticipated among students, senior Katelynn Vlahos said, “We’re expecting around 1,000 students, so we’ll hopefully be raising at least $1,500 for the Four Diamonds Fund.”
Senior Dylan McKenna will be the DJ for the twelve hour dance. Dylan’s partner will be Brennon Grubb, a sophomore at West Allegheny High School. Dylan and Brennon are in the works of composing a soundtrack that covers a variety of genres. As a team, they will also take requests for songs during the dance via text message.
Dylain said, “The Stage Crew and Black Hawk TV are joining forces for Mini-THON. Between the two of them, there will be both sound and video being pumped throughout both the cafeteria and the gym. Songs include all genres that keep people moving, ranging from the newest mixes to ’80s pop. Black Hawk TV is also running concessions. Also, there will be music videos displayed on the kiosks throughout the evening.”
For the past couple of years, Bethel Park High School has been dedicated in its efforts to support the Four Diamonds Fund.
“We have been supporting the Four Diamonds Fund for the last couple of years,” Dr. J said. “PACS alongside Katelynn organized a rainbow run, a multi-school dodgeball tournament and now the dance, which all support the Four Diamonds Fund.”
At the dance, THON merchandise will be up for sale to help raise additional money.
Quickly becoming a highly anticipated dance in the South Hills area, Mini-THON will kick off Spring for the students. As students prepare for the event, Mini-THON will spur an outbreak of school spirit.
