For the Kids


by Sophia Strickler

Delone Catholic High School’s Sheppard Gymnasium underwent a transformation on March 23. Not for a basketball game or round of prison ball, but for a Quidditch match for muggles.

Students once again participated in Delone Catholic’s third annual Mini-THON, a student-run nonprofit benefiting the Four Diamonds Foundation, which helps improve the lives of families impacted by childhood cancer. The Four Diamonds holds these fundraisers so that families can focus on helping their children get better. The organization also seeks to spread awareness and help fund life-changing research.

The all-night lock-style event had a Harry Potter theme this year. With the resounding motto, “For the Kids,” students participated in Zumba at the start of the night to get students excited and moving.

The night continued very competitive games of Quidditch, trivia, volleyball, and hula hooping. There was also a trivia contest. The seniors won most of the events, however, the freshmen won resoundingly in the trivia competition and the sophomores won their game of Quidditch against the freshmen.

Seniors Cody Pfaff, Charlie Hoerl, and Julie Thackston chaired the event this year.

“My favorite part was the energy of the group,” said Pfaff. “The enthusiasm that our students bring to help others in the greater community was the best part of the night for me.”

A total of 149 students participated in the event raising $9,325 for the Four Diamonds Foundation.

Doctor Carmen Brown, a Spanish teacher, is the faculty moderator of the yearly event. She notes that the success of Mini-THON is due to a myriad of support from both Delone Catholic families and the local community.

“We have been successful through the three years due to the hard work of the Mini-THON committee composed of Juniors and Seniors and to the generosity of the local business providing us with donations and food to survive throughout the night,” explained Dr. Brown. “But especially to the participation and commitment of the Delone students for making a special night for a good cause”

A DJ played music throughout the night to keep students up and moving; the goal is not to sit down from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. This year the video game Fortnite was also offered for $1 donation for each game played.

Leading up to the event, dress-down days were held as a school-wide fundraiser. In addition, each student had to raise at least $35 in order to participate.

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