By: Adison Poole
GS dove headfirst into the fight to cure pediatric cancer.
On Saturday March 15 GS students hosted the 10th annual Mini-THON. This year’s theme was centered around a beach theme, leaving the gym and halls decorated with jellyfish and blue lights.
“The theme came from our slogan,” senior Katie Shea said. “Our slogan was, Waves of Hope and Tides of Change.”
The goal of Mini-THON is to raise as much money possible. This money is then donated for research in the fight to cure pediatric cancer. This year GS Mini-THON members were able to raise a grand total of $63,505.47.
“Our goal was originally set at $100,000, but we quickly realized that was going to be an uphill battle,” Shea said.
While Mini-THON leaders always set a goal for the year, the overall goal is to raise as much money as possible. GS Mini-THON’s highest total ever was $71,502.68.
“We weren’t able to beat the highest total, but we were proud to have the second highest ever,” Shea said.
The night of Mini-THON is split up into two different parts. The first three hours, which take place from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., are known as Community Hours, meaning that families and community members were invited to participate and take part in activities that were offered by Mini-THON members.
Senior Sabrina Kasic donates her hair during Community Hours.
Photo Courtesy: Courtney Paul Photography
The second half of the night directly followed and consisted of an overnight lock in at the school until 7:00 a.m. Sunday morning. Students who spent the night stood all night long and participated in different games and activities to show support for Mini-THON.
“This was my first time attending Mini-THON,” senior Alice Wilkinson said. “If I would’ve known how much fun it was before, I would’ve gotten involved way sooner.”
GS Mini-THON members also invited a speaker to the event who shared her story and set the tone for why GS believes Mini-THON is a good cause and continues to fight for it every year.
“When we went to Hershey’s pediatric cancer hospital our liaison toured it with us and informed us that she was a Four Diamonds kid,” Shea explained. “From there we asked her if she would share her story at this year’s Mini-THON.”
GS Mini-THON members with this year’s liaison.
Photo Courtesy: Courtney Paul Photography
After all visitors left, the rest of the night was filled with games and entertainment to keep people moving and on their feet.
“My favorite activities from the night had to be volleyball and gaga ball,” freshman Ariana Guerrera said. “They were something I feel like everyone could enjoy.”
The games were split up by team or color of the shirt students who attended were given. The games also known as Color Wars consisted of different team games that would earn the teams points throughout the night.
The team with the most points was deemed the winner of Color Wars and got to be first in line for pizza for dinner after the games.
“My team didn’t win, but we still had fun playing each of the games,” Wilkinson said.
Students who successfully raised $400 or more on their donor drives were able to enter a V.I.P. lounge which was full of treats such as Chick-fil-A and chairs students could rest on.
“There was a bunch of stuff to eat,” Shea said. “There was also beach themed chairs people could sit on and use the massage guns.”
In between games, students kept themselves entertained with different activities found inside the gym.
“I think I played like 50 games of spikeball,” Wilkinson said. “It was a good way to keep me on my feet when we weren’t doing a group activity.”
After the doors opened around 7:00 p.m. the previous night many people were ready for the big reveal 12 hours later.
Around 7:00 a.m. Sunday morning students gathered to hear the announcement and find out how much money was raised over the course of the year. Students were also eager to get a break from the hours of standing throughout the night.
“It was my first time staying the night,” Guerrera said. “It was hard because you get tired, but the games and line dances keep you awake and having fun.”
Several Mini-THON members and students became emotional seeing the hard work pay off and celebrating their contribution to the fight to cure pediatric cancer.
The Mini-THON reveal for 2025.
Photo Courtesy: Courtney Paul Photography
“I was extremely proud to see our hard work pay off,” Shea said. “Seeing the final total felt made me feel good to be part of something so big.”
This being the 10th annual Mini-THON at GS made the night extra special for members. Mini-THON advisor Mr. Matthew Boe spoke about the program and how honored he is to be a part of it.
“I feel incredibly honored and pretty lucky at the same time,” Mr. Boe said. “For me, Mini-THON has grown into an extended family, and I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such amazing people for an important cause over many years.”
GS students gather once a year to show their support for the cause and will continue until a cure is found.
“Pediatric cancer remains one of the leading causes of death and that’s not just an opinion, it’s a fact,” Boe said. “As a father of two young boys, I can’t imagine hearing the words, ‘your child has cancer.’ Mini-THON provides a platform for students to create real change by contributing to life-saving research and supporting complete strangers in their darkest times, when they need it most.”
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