Late this afternoon, yet another chapter was added to the story of this historic year at Penn State. But whereas the past few months have been tragic, marked by sadness and suffering, the past few days have entailed something different altogether. In a year that has tried even the most proud Penn Stater, THON 2012 provided an oasis of hope, surrounded by a sea of color. And what's more, they broke records while doing it.
The Onward State team is proud to bring you live coverage of THON 2012.
At the beginning of the final four hours of THON 2012, Jay Paterno took the stage, greeted with a roaring ovation by the capacity Bryce Jordan Center crowd. He offered some words of encouragement for the dancers, who have been sleepless since Friday afternoon.
While it was chance that crossed my path with that of John Carrano's, John is by no means unheard of within the THON community, nor is his famous jacket that he sports each THON Weekend. For the unfamiliar, John's jacket exudes that authentic retro vibe (not hipster retro), sporting a block-lettered Penn State logo, an embroidered Nittany Lion patch, and the years (last two numbers) and themes of every THON year from 1995 to 2012's "Brighten Every Journey."
As our bodies began to feel the weight of the 40 hours endured thus far of THON 2012, our spirits relentlessly carried on. With the second half of the “Family Variety Hour” as our second (or third) wind, and with the exciting end now in sight, a new energy hit the floor Sunday morning.
Four Diamonds child and YouTube sensation Tucker Haas returned to the THON stage to sing "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO, accompanied by some great shuffling moves.