A dedicated and enthusiastic group of over three hundred Kennett High School students remained on their feet from 10 p.m. Friday, February 22, to 6 a.m. on Saturday morning 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, donations, and the Wizards basketball game, students have worked tirelessly in pursuit of this year’s goal.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, student senior chairperson Jayna Bruno revealed the impressive fundraising total of $42,613 to incredibly tired but happy participants. And the donations continue to accrue.

Despite the fact that this is Kennett’s fourth year sponsoring a Mini-THON, enthusiasm is not waning. If fact, more students participated this year than in previous years.

Kennett’s seven corporate sponsors for this year’s event were Kennett Education Foundation, Sinton Air Conditioning and Heating, Austin and Bednash Construction, High Tech Auto Body, Chatham Financial, Energy Transfer Solutions, and The Perfect Impression. In addition, Kennett’s Mini-THON was supported by over thirty local businesses who donated food or money

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 an outer space theme.

Faculty advisors for the event are Lisa Teixeira, KHS librarian and Humanitarian Club moderator, and Shawn Duffy, social studies teacher and Humanitarian Club assistant moderator. Twenty-four Mini-THON Executive Student Committee Members are led by senior event chair Jayna Bruno and junior chair Ashley Willey. And joining these student leaders for the event were Kennett alums Michael Bellino and Meredith Mitchell and several teacher chaperones.

“I am so proud of the Kennett High School Mini-THON team, particularly my co-chair, Shawn Duffy, and this year’s student leaders Jayna Bruno and Ashley Willey. Our group seeks to not only raise money for Four Diamonds but to provide the community, in and out of school, with a framework for unity, inclusiveness, and fun,” said Ms. Teixeira. “And I am truly overwhelmed by the continued generous support from our community,” she added.

Event chair Jayna Bruno said, “This year’s Mini-THON was unforgettable and one I was thrilled to be part of. Not only did we host an event with the greatest number of participants in our history, we were overwhelmed by the support of the Kennett community. Without the encouragement from the community, an organization like Mini-THON would never be as successful as it is and would not be able to help nearly as many families that are battling their worst nightmare: pediatric cancer.”

If you would still like to make a donation, please visit the Kennett High School Mini-THON website at khsminithon.org or call the school at 610-444-6617 for more information.

Join Kennett High School students for this magical, musical extravaganza March 14 through March 16.

At qualifying events held on December 16 and 21, Kennett High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) team had its most successful Regional Competition in the club’s history. Depending on the student’s area of expertise, qualification was based on scores on online tests or in performance events, like a mock job interview or public speaking.

Kennett High School will be sending a record thirty-eight students to the State Championships in Hershey, PA, April 2 – 5. Winners at the state level will then advance to the National Competition in California this summer.

FBLA Club Advisor Mr. Bill Fritsch said, “We thought last year was huge with thirty-three students advancing. This really is pretty amazing.”

Congratulations to all!

Kennett High School senior Vicky Gallivan has signed her National Letter of Intent to play Division I lacrosse at the University of Pennsylvania.

Vicky (sitting middle) was surrounded by her parents Edward and Glynis Gallivan, as well as by (standing from left) head coach Dale Watkins, assistant principal Jeff Thomas, and athletic director Sean Harvey.

A three-sport, four-year varsity starter, Vicky has had an outstanding athletic career to date. In addition to playing lacrosse, Vicky is also a member of Kennett High School’s field hockey and basketball teams.

Vicky’s lacrosse athletic honors include being named to the First Team Ches-Mont All-League Lacrosse team every year since her freshman year; Ches-Mont League leading scorer as a sophomore; Leading scorer since her sophomore year; and Offensive Player of the Year as a sophomore and junior. Vicky scored her 100th career goal as a sophomore, and is now entering her senior year with 182 goals. Vicky has also represented Philadelphia in the National Tournament twice, and led the Kennett Blue Demons to the PIAA District 1 playoffs for the last three years.

Vicky’s field hockey athletic honors include being named to the Second Team Ches-Month All-League Field Hockey team as a sophomore and junior, and the First Team Ches-Mont All-League Field Hockey team as a senior. Elected as team captain her senior year, Vicky led the Kennett Blue Demons to the second-round of the PIAA District 1 playoffs, and was one of the 44 players in the Philadelphia region selected to play in the Philadelphia Field Hockey Senior All-Star Game. Vicky has earned the distinguished honors of being named Team Most Valuable Player as a senior, leading the team in assists and goals, and Player of the Year as a junior.

In addition to Vicky’s impressive list of lacrosse and field hockey athletic honors, she was also named as team captain of the Kennett High School girls basketball team her senior year, where she led the team to the PIAA District 1 Playoffs.

Vicky’s athletic successes are mirrored by her academic successes. Vicky has earned the Pennsylvania 7th Congressional District Scholar-Athlete Award and is a National Merit Scholarship Commended student. Ranked in the top 5% of her class, Vicky is a National Honor Society member, AP Scholar, and has earned Distinguished Honors every semester since her freshman year. Vicky is the Sports Editor of the Yearbook Club, the Vice President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and a member of the Future Business Leaders of America. In her free time, Vicky is a counselor at the Kennett Area Parks and Recreation Board Summer Camp.

Vicky is excited and proud to have the opportunity to play lacrosse the University of Pennsylvania, and commends its phenomenal academics and athletics programs. Vicky has been accepted into the Wharton School of Business where she will major in business.

Kennett High School senior Ashley Mastronardo has signed her National Letter of Intent to play lacrosse at Widener University.

Ashley (sitting middle) was surrounded by (sitting left to right) her sister Rose Mastronardo and her mother Rhonda Mastronardo-Schneider, as well as by (standing from left) head coach Dale Watkins, assistant principal Jeff Thomas, and athletic director Sean Harvey.

Ashley has had a very successful athletic career to date with the Kennett High School girls lacrosse team as well as her club team, Sepa Lacrosse. A thoughtful and dedicated player, Ashley has played an important role in Kennett Consolidated School District’s lacrosse program for six years. In addition to lacrosse, Ashley is also a member of Kennett High School’s field hockey team.

Ashley is not only a stellar athlete, but also a dedicated student. Her successes on the field follow her into the community where she is a Big Sister in Kennett High School’s newest after-school mentoring program and a youth field hockey and lacrosse coach.

Ashley is excited to continue playing lacrosse at the collegiate level in the Widener Pride!

While Ashley has not settled a field of study, she is interested in exploring different business courses during her first year at Widener University.

Congratulations Ashley!