On Sunday, Jan. 18, MTHS Mini-THON hosted its 15th annual showcase. The event is modeled after the Penn State University THON Dance Marathon where students, teams and clubs perform dances or other acts to raise money for Four Diamonds. As one of more than 200 high schools in the country that have a Mini-THON club, Manheim Township raises money each year to fund cancer research and help cover the cost of medical expenses for families battling childhood cancer.
There were more than 20 total performances by students and athletes who started DonorDrives to fundraise for Four Diamonds. With the generous donations from students, families, local businesses and the donation table at the entrance of the event, a total of $30,111 was raised. The MTHS dance team was the highest contributing sports team and raised a total of $3,440. Swim and Dive and Field Hockey came in second and third places for highest fundraising teams. Brady Bergman was the Mr. Mini-THON contestant who raised the most money, coming in at $2,013, and was followed by Luke Wagner and Luke Oles.
The evening began with a performance by the Live For Lucian Club and included acts from 14 different sports teams. Each team was coached by dancers from the MTHS Dance Team to craft electric choreographed acts. Among these were a Teen Beach Movie inspired dance scene performed by the Track and Field Team and the Boy’s Cross Country Team’s pop princess mash up dance to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso,” Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” and Fetty Wap’s “Trap Queen.”
A comedic panel of three MTHS teachers: Mr. Kenneth Kantz, Mr. Wayne Kantz and Mr. Lance Wagner judged the acts and contributed witty commentary. They chose the Bowling Team as the best sports team for their epic performance that included backlips and Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone.” Justin Blose, Luke Reinking and Luke Oles won best Mr. Mini-THON performance with their rendition of Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies.”
To continue to support MTHS Mini-THON and their worthy cause, consider buying a ticket to the Snowball Dance on Jan. 31 or attending their main event on Friday, Feb. 27.
