It's midmorning on Friday at Pleasant Valley Middle School, and kids are flowing freely through the halls and gymnasium, laughing, playing and dancing. The mood is electric, but it has nothing to do with the upcoming weekend.

The school is right in the midst of a Mini-THON, a philanthropic free-for-all that channels proceeds to childhood cancer research and treatment."Today is a day students really learn to think about others, to put others first," Pleasant Valley literacy coach and Mini-THON communications director Kasey Nieves said."Spreading awareness of pediatric cancer, that's what it's all about, so that the students understand what these kids are going through, and how much we can actually help others by working together."This will be the second year that the middle school is partaking in the event, with the rest of Pleasant Valley conducting their own Mini-THONs for the first time, and students are thrilled to pitch in."It's not just for school spirit, it's awareness, it's all for a good cause. At the same time, they're doing something for themselves," Nathan Bozeman, 14, said, pointing out that the dance-a-thon was his favorite activity."It's very involving, you're with your friends, it's movement, it's very energetic."Modeled after Penn State's IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, THON, which also benefits childhood cancer patients, Mini-THONs are special events that encourage cancer education and donations for research and treatment.While fundraising efforts for Four Diamonds span the school year, Friday served as a celebration for the students' past efforts, an opportunity for additional philanthropic acts, and a way to honor those who have faced childhood cancer."It really builds up that momentum," Nieves said. "They're realizing that their efforts are paying off, it's helping those kids fighting pediatric cancer. It helps the families pay their medical bills and, of course, the researchers trying to find a cure. Today is really about celebrating our effort in making a difference, and celebrating the lives of those who were lost and those who are fighting the disease."Penn State alumni and elementary Principal Erica Greer introduced the idea of the Mini-THON to the district a few years back, and Nieves and middle school Principal Rocco T. Seiler went to check out the initial event."At the same time, my nephew was going through a rare form of brain cancer. In this building, everyone was going through it with me. The middle school is like a family. When someone goes through hard times, everyone tries to help," Seiler said.The community support, both emotional and financial, spurred the district to join forces with Four Diamonds and make their own Mini-THON for the middle school.Pleasant Valley students have been eager to help out with the fundraising efforts, staying after school, coming in early, decorating the halls, and more. Eighth-grade students Karysma Marshall, 13, and Nicolette Corrao, 14, went all-out and developed a special set of moves for Rihanna's "Diamonds," a song with some choice thematic elements."It was really fun. We just came together, listened to the song, and we were like, 'Whoa! This goes with everything we're talking about with Mini-THON,' " Marshall said. "Coming together, you're a star, shining bright."Four Diamonds, the sole beneficiary of THON and Mini-THONs, was founded in 1972 by Charles and Irma Millard, who lost their son Christopher to cancer at a young age.The name came from a short story, written by Christopher, about a knight who must collect the four diamonds of courage, wisdom, honesty and strength to defeat an evil sorceress - an allegory for his own battle with cancer.In 1977, Four Diamonds partnered with the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center to fight childhood cancer.Nowadays, the group helps fund dozens of researchers and covers the complete health care costs of uninsured children with cancer at the hospital."I'm really hoping that the kids with cancer can get through it to do things like this," dancer Michael Mollica, 12, said while on a short break in the gym.The dance-a-thon may be the star of the show, but Pleasant Valley Middle School also held other events throughout the day, including scooter racing, face painting, beanbag tosses, and more.A table of merchandise branded with the Four Diamonds logo was crowded by kids throughout the day.The Penn State Nittany Lion even made an appearance for photos that could be purchased for only a dollar."It's fantastic. The kids are excited, we're excited, and it's all for a great cause," paraprofessional Linda Reborchick said as she painted a star on the cheek of seventh-grader Samara Pruden, 13.Toward the early afternoon, following a lunch break, the numbers started pouring in, and things were looking good."We are doing so much better. We did so well last year, and we have way surpassed that already. We have more kids coming down this afternoon, so we're hoping to increase our profits," Nicole Composto, head of Mini-THON fundraising and eighth-grade math teacher, said.Nieves later reported that the middle school's effort alone netted $23,402.67, a crowning achievement for Pleasant Valley students that they earned through diligent efforts and compassion."This is the culmination of all their hard work," Seiler said."It's a day where we celebrate life, and all the hard work that these kids did to raise the money."