Provided by Prince William County Schools (PWCS)
More than 120 students and staff took to the gymnasium floor April 20 for the first Battlefield High School Mini-THON. This student-led, overnight event is the culmination to months of fundraising — all in the fight for pediatric cancer.
Mini-THON is modeled after the 46-hour Penn State THON and benefits Four Diamonds at Penn State Children’s Hospital. Four Diamonds is a charitable organization that supports research for a cure to pediatric cancer and covers medical expenses for families with children battling the disease. Battlefield junior Lauren Hillig visited Penn State University last summer and was inspired by the annual THON. She brought the idea back to Battlefield, and the Mini-THON fundraising journey began. Students put their leadership skills into action for one of the largest community service projects in school history.
Participating Bobcats were on their feet for 12 straight hours beginning Friday evening. Aside from dancing, there were games, food, musical acts and other activities to keep them going. At the closing ceremony Saturday morning, the fundraising total was announced — the Bobcat community raised over $41,000 to help childhood cancer patients and their families.
Mini-THON committee member and sophomore Arley Lausin is grateful for the outpouring of donations and support this event received. “We could not have done it without the spirited dancers and overwhelming community support,” said Lausin. “We also owe our success to the outstanding teacher sponsors who donated so much of their time to the cause.”
Tori Witmer, junior and Mini-THON co-chair added, “Being a part of Mini-THON was truly a life-changing experience. We were able to bring the student body together to support a great cause and raise an incredible amount of money for a first-year event.”
Last year, more than 265 schools held Mini-THONs and raised a combined $6.4 million for Four Diamonds. Battlefield High School’s Mini-THON was not only the first for the school, but also the first in Virginia.
Battlefield’s First-Ever Mini-THON – #FortheKids
Video produced and edited by Alexander Young – Battlefield Class of 2019
