Q&A: About Mini THON club at Pine-Richland High School
This story is published in follow-up to a student journalism program held in early 2026 with students from area school districts.
A club at Pine-Richland High School hosts events as fundraisers to raise money for children with cancer.
The club, called Mini THON, is sponsored by teacher Lucas Gray.
Below is a Q&A with Gray about the club.
Q: When did Mini THON begin as a club?
A: The 2016-17 school year.
Q: Who started the club?
A: A group of students, who wanted to create a positive impact with their free time.
Q: What does the Mini THON organization as a whole stand for according to you?
A: The organization stands for doing our part to help those who can't help themselves.
Q: Have you collaborated with any other clubs before?
A: Yes, most events are in collaboration. This year we’ve collaborated with Best Buddies, Peer 2 Peer, student section leaders, cheer, dance, color guard and pickleball club, with more participating at this year's event.
Q: What events have you done so far this school year?
A: We have done two T-shirt drives, a pink out and an orange out, Skate for the Cure, 12 days of crushing cancer, pickleball night, babysitting night and that’s all so far.
Other events would go on to include a dunk tank day and more.
Q: In what ways do you wish to improve your club next year?
A: Continue to increase underclassmen participation.
Q: How much will you raise this year?
A: Hoping to break $30k.
Q: What would you want to say to your student leaders at the end of the school year?
A: I’d tell them that their actions show their growth and maturity, and I’m proud of the adults they’ve become.
Q: What's your biggest life lesson?
A: Life is better when you’re helping others, but don’t forget to take care of yourself.
Q: I heard in high school you were involved in a band. Can you tell me more about that?
A: My high school friends and I decided to write some music, record it and play. We had a great time. And learned a lot about what it takes to collaborate.
Q: What classes do you teach?
A: Statistics
Q: How has Mini THON changed you as a person?
A: It has helped me realize how much more can be done by raising new leaders, than trying to do it all myself.
Q: What is a class you wish we had in our high school?
A: A class on the history of anime, and its influence on culture.
Q: What college did you go to?
A: Geneva College
Q: Where did you go to high school?
A: Deer Lakes High School
Q: Knowing you have a younger son, what is one thing you would tell him about our school when he’s older?
A: Tell him to start a Mini THON at his school, or to get involved. Because it’s been one of my favorite parts of this school.
Q: Lastly, what is one thing you wish you could have said to yourself during your first year teaching here at the high school?
A: Focus on continual growth instead of perfection.
Baeden Gauthier is a student at Pine-Richland School District.
