After some odd months of stressful planning, Springfield High School shocked Delaware County yet again.  After 12 years of existence, Springfield mini-THON reached its all-time high and captured the title of number 1 mini-THON in Pennsylvania, once again.

With an outstanding total of $224,598 for the 2014 year, Springfield reached an overall total of $1.2 million for the years it’s been around.

Started in 2002, Springfield’s mini-THON was modeled after Penn State’s THON and is held every year in memory of Steve Stefani, a social studies teacher who lost his battle to cancer.  From its first year of raising $11,617, Springfield has come a very long but successful way.  Springfield teacher and THON adviser John Gildea and his team of 12 student leaders, lead the way to make Springfield mini-THON what it is today.

Alumni, especially those who have participated in THON, come back every year to experience the magic one more time.  Springfield alum, Lauren Spires, reminisces on her THON experiences at Springfield.

“I’m absolutely amazed at how far SHS THON has come since I graduated four years ago,” Spires said.  “Going back and seeing it each year just brings chills.  Our community has really come together as one and without our community being involved, I don’t think we would have been this successful.”

Chelsea Pierce, Springfield alum and senior at Penn State Main, who is also involved in Penn State’s THON, couldn’t be more proud of her high school.

“SHS-Mini-THON is amazing,” Pierce said.  “It unites a student body over a common cause and gives people the chance to be a part of something that is not only bigger than themselves, but to make a difference.  They inspire their surrounding community and it’s amazing to see kids their age working so hard to improve the lives of others.”

Springfield High School has touched the lives of many.  No matter how small they may seem to Penn State’s THON, Springfield makes a huge impact.

Lion’s Eye Staff Writer

Amanda Rasley, alr5394@psu.edu