We Ran For the Kids

November 9, 2023

Clouds of vibrant color adorned the field house parking lot on Sunday, November 5 as 200 participants gathered to prepare for their two mile campus run. The event, run by Mini-THON team members, was the second annual run raising money for pediatric cancer research.

Mini-THON is an organization created last year by then seniors Ella Jones, Emma Forrester, Matt Dugan, Logan Eisaman, and Makayla Strane. Mirroring Penn State’s THON, it aims to help in the fight against pediatric cancer while spreading awareness throughout the community. The class of 2023 raised a staggering $57,607.95 and left big shoes to fill.

This year, seniors Malea Nadeo, Riley Dunn, Peyton Heisler, Maggie Howard, Ashley Hosni, and Joely McMullen have taken the reigns and are determined to exceed last year’s amazing feats by raising over $60,000. “I am glad they decided to host a color run again this year,” said Mini-THON advisor Ashley Testa. “Not only does it allow us to raise money for an excellent cause, but it brings the entire community together.”

This event is one of many that junior and senior students Mini-THON students will participate in before the final dance-a-thon on April 5, 2024. As students, teachers, and community members walked away coated head to toe in chalk powder, we are reminded that it’s all #ForTheKids

About the Contributors

Alyssa Manderach, Editor

Spartan pride runs deep for Alyssa Manderach, who is originally an Ocean City, Maryland native. She has spent the last 7 years working to embrace what it means to be a part of Hempfield Area. The Royal has been a dedicated passion of hers since she started writing for it two years ago during her sophomore year. Her work preserving events and memories for the newspaper has pushed her to pursue a career in journalism after graduating from college. Much of her time is also spent volunteering and working with the school as president of United Spartans. Between her time in these organizations, as well as many other clubs and honor societies, she has seen the opportunities to volunteer with local organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Beverly's Birthdays, and Westmoreland County Food Bank. Her plans for the upcoming years involve attending a four-year university, studying communications with a focus on media, so that hopefully she can enter the journalism field as a writer or editor.

Malea Nadeo, Contributor

Born and raised in Hempfield, Malea Nadeo has been a member of the Spartan community her whole life. She is the Overall Administrator of Hempfield Area Mini-THON, a member of National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, and Project 18, and fills her free time with a plethora of clubs. She loves getting involved around the school and spends most of her time raising money for Mini - THON, volunteering for United Spartans, and taking photos at pep rallies and sports events. Malea is most passionate about Television Writing and Broadcasting, where she is an anchor on Hempfield's news "15601". When she isn't in school, Malea enjoys spending time with her friends and family, creating videos, and listening to her favorite music. In future years, Malea hopes to go to Penn State University for telecommunications and media industries to go on to work in television and help create movies. Writing for The Royal, taking photos for the yearbook, and anchoring 15601 allows Malea to do what she loves best - connect with her school community.