Mini-Thon continues to be one of the biggest events in the Stroudsburg Area School District. This year, the students were able to reach new heights with 422 participants raising a grand total of $102,020.98. Stroudsburg surpassed last year’s total of $90,801.05!
Each year, the theme of Mini-Thon is different from the last. Everyone looks forward to the big reveal of the new T-shirt design and color scheme. The tradition has become a student favorite. Last year’s hibiscus design was tough to beat. This year’s theme was unexpected but fitting — a superhero theme. The classic color scheme complemented the superhero theme and was the perfect fit, given the “superhero” efforts made to break the $100,000 goal.
The Mini-thon student committee is divided into seven teams: Executives (Batman), Red (Spider-Man), Yellow (Wolverine), Green (Hulk), Aqua (Aquaman), Blue (Superman), and Purple (Black Panther) and mentored by the executive senior officers: Athena Skarlis, Aiden Ingenito, and Amelia Nieman, each guiding a different grade level. Each team is in charge of one component of the event such as food and refreshments, activities, games, donations, music, etc.
Sebastian Tanda, ’27, says, “This year’s shirt design represented a lot and how we are the heroes of the kids with cancer and raising money for them.”
There were different activities like cup pong, volleyball, screaming games, cup stacking, therapy dogs, and a lot more. Everyone had something to do, and they all enjoyed their time at Mini-Thon.
Madison Dawson, ’26, says, “Even though I wasn’t able to make it, I wish I went because it sounds like it was a really fun experience, so I will definitely be going next year.”
A family’s strength is tested when a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer. The Mountie community was able to help raise money for those kids.
Mini-Thon made its debut at the high school in 2014. Sarah Davis, health and physical education teacher and current Mini-Thon advisor, has done incredible work over the past seven years while advising and orchestrating this event since 2018. According to Davis, since its start, SHS Mini-Thon Committee has raised a “total of $$814,073.14.” Now, that’s impressive.
Davis took over when Andrew Kurnas, English teacher, decided it was time to pass it on to the next. Advising Mini-Thon is a full-time commitment that demands year-round fundraising, soliciting, planning, scheduling, and more. Executive officers and Davis begin interviewing students as soon as school begins in August. Roles and teams are assigned by September so the work can begin.
Mini-Thon is made possible as a result of eight months of dedication to fundraising and promoting events like the Haunted Car Wash and Nerf Zombies, partnering with Chick-fil-A, Krispy Kreme, Stroud Mall, and Texas Roadhouse, and promoting awareness by visiting the elementary schools, hosting carnation sales, the Man Pageant, Farmshow milkshake day, and so many more.
This year, Stroudsburg Mini-Thon raised more money than it ever has, thanks to the combined efforts of students, teachers, administrators, parents, and the community.
All photos were shared by Sarah Davis and the MiniThon Photo Booth (Jostens Yearbook).
Check out the Mountaineer YouTube Channel for more Photo Booth action.
