The annual Four Diamonds Mini-THON at Elizabethtown Area High School (EAHS), modeled after Penn State's THON, raised $53,720 in support of pediatric cancer research and patient care.

Senior Emma Keener served as head overall of the Mini-THON committee. Assisting Keener were co-overalls Haley De Stefano and Isla Schoenberger, both 11th-grade students. 

Themed "Launch Cancer Out of This World," this year's Mini-THON commenced at 6 p.m. on March 8, featuring a diverse array of activities, games and competitions for student dancers. The event reached its pinnacle at 6 a.m. on March 9, with the announcement of the fundraising total. Another poignant moment during the event was the "Light of Hope" lantern celebration, honoring those affected by cancer.

The event featured dance sessions, games and activities, including live music performed by a student band and a comedy show sponsored by the high school's marketing class that raised more than $1,800. Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to interact with the district's facility dogs, Murphy, Kolben and Remi.

Mini-THON holds a special place in the heart of the Elizabethtown community, inspired by the memory of Chris Millard, a former Elizabethtown Area Middle School student who battled cancer. Over the past 12 years, EAHS has raised more than $650,000 for Four Diamonds through its Mini-THON initiatives.

The district extended its gratitude to the Elizabethtown community for its support of the student-led initiative. Additionally, the district acknowledged the contributions of faculty, staff and administrators from across the district who supported the event by chaperoning students throughout the night, as well as Christa Raundenbush, who was the faculty adviser for the event.