LEWISTOWN — Gold shirts, packed stands, chocolate-covered pretzels and a student body counting down to one number. Mini-THON at Mifflin County High School continues to grow not just as a fundraiser, but as a movement — one powered by students and fueled by community support, all For The Kids.

“Mini-THON is such a great example of what students can orchestrate for the good of others,” said adviser Sara Sutton. “We thank our students, families and our local businesses for helping in raising funds for such an important cause. We are so excited to celebrate our success with the community this year.”

That celebration is coming soon. The biggest moment of the year — the final fundraising reveal — will take place at 2:50 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 during the Mini-THON Beat Cancer Block Party at the high school.

“That’s always the most exciting part, I think,” said Mini-THON President Emily Wilson. “It will be at 2:50 pm on the day of our Mini-THON Beat Cancer Block Party on May 9.”

For Wilson, Mini-THON has been part of her life for years. “I’ve been involved by attending Gold Outs since middle school and I have been an active member of the club for two years!” she said.

That long-term connection shows in the steady momentum behind the 2024-25 campaign. Fundraising opportunities were spread across the entire school year, keeping attention on Mini-THON from fall through spring.

“We’re excited for our spring sports Gold Outs happening all throughout April, including track, softball, lacrosse and tennis,” Wilson said. “Keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook pages for updates and details about each event.”

Gold Outs have become one of Mini-THON’s most visible traditions, bringing entire crowds together in support of pediatric cancer research and family assistance. Whether it’s under the lights on a Friday night or along the sidelines of a spring match, the message stays the same.

Some of the most popular fundraisers are also the most hands-on. One that students look forward to season after season involves chocolate, teamwork and a lot of pretzels.

“One of my personal favorites is our seasonal chocolate-covered pretzel fundraiser,” Wilson said. “We have done them for Halloween and Valentine’s Day. The club has a wonderful time working together to fulfill orders, and not to mention, they are delicious.”

Another crowd favorite is rooted in school spirit. “Another highlight is our football Gold Out and tailgate,” Wilson said. “It’s such a lively, exciting event that really brings the whole community together to support the kids.”

That community impact extends far beyond the stadium or hallway displays. During the 2024-25 school year, all high schools participating in Mini-THON raised a combined $6.4 million for Four Diamonds. Penn State’s larger THON efforts continue to draw attention statewide, with THON 2026 raising $18,841,726.53 — surpassing the previous year’s record total of $17,737,040.93 by more than $1.1 million.

Even so, Wilson emphasized that local efforts like MCHS Mini-THON play a critical role. “It’s incredibly satisfying to be part of FTK at MCHS,” she said. “It is inspiring to see our students, parents and community members come together to support children and families fighting pediatric cancer.”

That purpose became even more real for Wilson last summer when she attended the Mini-THON Leadership Summit. “Last August, I had the opportunity to attend the Mini-THON Leadership Summit, where I heard the personal story of a fellow high school student fighting leukemia,” she said. “She shared how the Four Diamonds Organization helped her financially through such a difficult time. It was incredibly moving to realize that the money we raise directly impacts children like her and their families.”

That realization adds meaning to every bake sale, Gold Out and donation drive. The results speak for themselves. After a full year of fundraising, Mifflin County High School Mini-THON’s final celebration on Friday, March 14, culminated in a fundraising reveal of $24,830.11. As the next celebration approaches, the excitement inside the building continues to rise.

“The buzz around the school is still building as we finalize the schedule of events for the party,” Wilson said. “This week, we revealed our redesigned Gold Out T-Shirts. That definitely started the buzz around the school.”

The shirts are currently available for student pre-orders, with public ordering opportunities coming soon.

“Keep an eye out on our socials for then they are available for order to the public,” Wilson said.

With the Beat Cancer Block Party on the horizon, Gold Outs filling the spring calendar and students driving the mission forward, Mini-THON at MCHS continues to prove that powerful change doesn’t require a massive stage — just commitment, community, and heart.

And at 2:50 p.m. on May 9, all of that work will come down to one number — the moment students, families, and supporters will remember long after the music fades.