Two popular Palmerton Area High School events are set to return this spring after a multiyear hiatus.

The school’s second Mini-THON will take place this weekend, running from Saturday at 10 p.m. to Sunday at 6 a.m.

Mr. Palmerton, meanwhile, is scheduled for May 20 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

All proceeds raised go to Four Diamonds, which has assisted 100 percent of the childhood cancer patients who have been treated at Penn State Children’s Hospital.

“Our goal is to raise $5,000 this year,” Josh Nenscel, Palmerton student council co-adviser, said. “When we first held the event in 2019, we were able to raise around $19,000.”

Nenscel and student council co-adviser Jeana Baumgardt said the organization is thrilled Mini-THON is able to return in 2022.

So far this year, Palmerton has raised $2,175, with 220 students currently signed up to participate in the event. Donations can be made online on the event page, https://bit.ly/3M7AAfg.

When the Palmerton event first launched in 2019, student council set a fundraising goal of $7,500, with its nearly $19,000 total far exceeding that mark. Many students raised over $500 or $600 individually. The night featured live music, glow-stick dance parties and competitions such as Tug-of-War and video games.

“It gets the kids on their feet dancing and participating in different games and they have a great night,” Nenscel said. “I also think it helps give them a better understanding of what children who are battling cancer go through and the hardships they endure.”

According to the Four Diamonds website, around 16,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year, roughly two classrooms of kids every day.

“Dollars raised by Palmerton Area High School Mini-THON 2022 support some of the latest breakthroughs in childhood cancer research,” the website states. “Having a better understanding of how cancer works will help Four Diamonds’ researchers develop new, more effective treatments to test through clinical trials and save more lives.”

Mr. Palmerton

In another event last held in 2019, Mr. Palmerton, the high school’s male beauty pageant, returns to the stage May 20 at 7 p.m.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and tickets cost $5, with proceeds benefiting student council and school activities.

A promotional video posted on the high school’s Instagram page has already eclipsed 1,000 views. This year’s contestants include Lucas Heydt, Harrison Dailey, Zack Anthony, Shea Finney, Garrett Horvath, Chris Walkowiak, Dominic Kintz, Dennis Lombardi, Kyle Sebelin and Aiden Reinhardt.

Contestants are judged in categories such as swimwear, talent, formal wear, and question and answer.

Ben Netznik won the competition in 2019.