A dedicated and passionate group of 250 KHS students remained on their feet from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Feb. 21 for Mini-THON, an event to raise money for the Four Diamonds Fund to benefit pediatric cancer research and families whose children are battling the disease. Through a variety of events, raffles, generous corporate contributions, and donations, students have worked tirelessly in pursuit of this year’s goal, and the donations continue to accrue. Despite the fact that this is Kennett’s fifth year sponsoring a Mini-THON, enthusiasm is certainly not waning.
Modeled after Penn State’s Dance Marathon (THON), Kennett High School’s Mini-THON featured eight hours packed with fun activities, music, and food, all with a carnival theme.
Benefactors of this year’s event include Diamond Level Sponsors Austin & Bednash and Chatham Financial; Gold Level Sponsors High Tech Auto Body, Kennett Education Foundation, and Sinton Air Conditioning and Heating; and Silver Level Sponsors Baccellieri Family Dentistry, Cricket Wireless Kennett Square, Kennett Copy & More, MacElree Harvey, and Perfect Impressions. In addition, Kennett’s Mini-THON was supported by twenty local businesses that donated food or money
Faculty advisors for the event were Lisa Teixeira, KHS librarian and Humanitarian Club moderator, and Shawn Duffy, social studies teacher and Humanitarian Club assistant moderator. Twenty-five Mini-THON Executive Student Committee Members were led by senior event chairs Ian Dargitz and Ashley Willey, along with underclassman chairs Emma Henderson, Gavin Maxwell, and Grace Pruitt. Joining these student leaders for the event were Kennett alum Michael Bellino and several teacher chaperones.
While Mini-THON participants remain on their feet for eight hours, Kennett’s principal Dr. Jeremy Hritz takes that a step farther — thousands of steps farther actually. Dr. Hritz runs laps around the high school’s track for the duration of the event to demonstrate his support for the students and raise funds through contributions to his personal donor page. This year, he ran 41.73 miles, topping last year’s distance by over seven miles.
Dr. Hritz offered high praise: “Mini-THON is a testament to the initiative and commitment of Kennett High School students. The student leadership involved in planning and executing such an event is incredible, and I am so proud of how our students put together an amazing event to raise money to support an honorable cause. Our students are simply the best!”
Event co-chairs Ian Dargitz and Ashley Willey were ecstatic about the outcome of this year’s event. Ian commented, “Kennett is lucky to have a variety of kind, talented, and hardworking individuals, and their efforts paid dividends this year. Together, we have set a new record by raising over $50,000 for pediatric cancer treatment, and I am confident that our highly capable community will continue to outperform itself.”
“Mini-THON 2020 was unbelievable. This year we decided to change things up and have Mini-THON after school. Even though we had fewer participants, everyone was so dedicated, and we ended up raising a record amount! Also, we invited the Kennett community for community hour, and we were thrilled to welcome families for music, carnival games, and popcorn. The community is a huge factor in our success. I will remember this Mini-THON forever, and I am so grateful to be able to finish off my high school career this way,” added Ashley
If you would like to make a donation, please visit the KHS Mini-THON page at https://fourdiamonds.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=2657, search “Kennett High School donor drive” or call the school at 610-444-6617 for more information.
