This year marks Lower Moreland’s 19th Mini-Thon, and thanks to the community, captains, heads, and advisors, it was a huge success!
Each year, hundreds of Lower Moreland students stand from 10 AM to 10 PM to raise money for pediatric cancer research through the Four Diamonds Fund. Founded by Charles and Irma Millard in the 1970s, Four Diamonds’ mission is to ensure that no family has to bear the burden of medical expenses alone, allowing them to focus on supporting their children through treatment and beyond.
On November 21st, over 500 students stood in support of the millions of families battling childhood cancer, and that’s not including the hundreds of alumni and community members who joined on the sidelines. As Senior Head Hannah Thomas puts it, “Mini-THON at Lower Moreland is so much more than just a 12-hour event. It gives students the opportunity to rally together in support of a cause that unifies so many different kinds of people.” This year, LMHS Mini-THON raised over $230,000, ranking as the largest high school Mini-THON donor in the state. Hannah Thomas attributes the success to “78 incredible captains who work throughout the summer and fall, along with our dedicated dancers on the day of Mini-THON.”
This year, as the former Mini-THON advisors stepped down, Senior Head Nick Sleptsov reflected, “I knew Mini-THON would look different with new advisors taking on such a demanding role, but it felt like the captains were more united than ever.” The day featured lip sync performances, food, games, and guest speakers who shared their personal experiences battling childhood cancer. Thanks to the help of Family Relations captains Jenna Nikhil, Alex Gliwa, Jazzy Choi, and Isabella Leung, this year’s THON featured 7 speakers: Jen Burke, Anne Louis DeBord, Katlyn Martin, Jackie Marinelli, Adley, Katie Hebe, and Bret Kallmes, with Jackie, Katie, and Bret speaking live during family hour.
Overall, the seniors took the win for most points scored throughout the day.
In addition to Mini-THON’s annual events, such as the Color Run and Flocking, this year, Mini-THON hosted its first-ever Glow Party, which featured games, music, and food for 7th- and 8th-grade students.
Mini-THON Senior Heads sign off:
“Mini-THON for the past two years has been the most meaningful experience I’ve gotten to be a part of in high school. I feel so honored and grateful for the lessons I’ve learned, the amazing people I have worked alongside, and most importantly, the chance to show these kids that they are seen, cared for, and are not alone.” – Hannah
“This season was incredibly successful, and that success is a testament to the support our community has for kids fighting cancer. As for the day of Mini-THON, our captains, chaperones, businesses, alumni, dancers, and countless others made the day unforgettable. I could not possibly thank them all enough. I’m so grateful to have been part of this amazing cause and I can’t wait to see the impact everyone continues to make next year!” -Nick
