After the tragic lockdown that occurred when Covid-19 swept the nation three years ago, many traditions and relatively normal activities were banned and restricted, and it almost seemed like we were living in a different world. This was also true for Notre Dame HS, which lost many of its many famous traditions loved by so many. But after three whole years, the Notre Dame family was able to bring back one of the most exciting and long-lasting traditions of Crusader history: Mini-THON.

Students who signed up to participate in Notre Dame’s Mini-THON were signing up to participate in 24 straight hours of fun and excitement, and it’s all for a good cause. This amazing event is held to raise money for worldwide pediatric cancer treatment and research by standing for 24 hours straight and not sitting down once. Throughout the night, there were games, activities, and even Zoomba to help students complete this amazing accomplishment. Barbers were hired to come and shave the head of any student willing as a way to show support to those who don’t get a choice to lose their hair, and an astounding number of students jumped at the opportunity, all while speakers who have experienced the devastating effects of childhood cancer came in to remind participants why they were doing this… what they were standing for: the children who can’t stand up for themselves.

The event began at 9 a.m. Feb. 18 with the students all running into the gymnasium where the Mini-THON would take place, and it ended at 9 a.m. Feb. 19, with all of the students getting to sit back down as the total amount of money raised was announced. This year, the first Mini-THON since before the pandemic, Notre Dame HS raised a grand total of $106,206! After three years of waiting, this remarkable and unforgettable tradition was finally brought back, and with the help of the incredible staff, students and supporters. it was even more spectacular than ever before. After the reawakening of Notre Dame’s Mini-THON, its message has finally made its way back into the halls of the high school, a message that makes it clear what it was all for: For The Kids. “When cancer is cured we’ll dance for joy. Until then, we’ll dance for life.”