First-Ever CM Middle School THON Was a Great Success
MILL HALL — The Central Mountain Middle School held its first ever Mini-THON to aid in the fight against cancer, the event modeled on Penn State’s phenomenally successful THON. And the middle school effort was a resounding success.
The event was the culmination of months of hard work by the students, teachers and staff. They worked to raise funds as well as awareness for pediatric cancer. The Mini-THON lasted from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. last Friday and featured dancing, games and special guest speakers. Speakers included those with first-hand experience in dealing with cancer afflicting local young people.
Tiffany Jarrett and Stephanie Bieber spoke to the middle school students about their experience with Four Diamonds and shared the story of Tiffany’s sister and Stephanie’s daughter, Courtney Jarrett, who sadly passed away after a battle with cancer. Tiffany Jarrett is a junior at Penn State – Altoona and plays an active role in the PSU THON.
Heather Fowler also spoke and shared the story of her son Aidan, a middle school student who passed away this past January after a battle with brain cancer. Both speakers emphasized the importance of the cause and thanked the students for their contributions.
Participants also included Penn State football player and THON supporter Von Walker, a former CMMS student.
Many parents and community members joined the students at the end of the event for the final reveal of the amount raised. When it was all said and done the students and staff at Central Mountain Middle School raised a whopping $13,526.89, smashing their original goal of $2,000. All proceeds will go directly to the Four Diamonds Fund and will support children and their families who are battling pediatric cancer. A portion of those funds is also spent on research to find a cure. Students and staff members are looking forward to next year to continue their crusade against pediatric cancer.
