THON 2025 just happened, and for Penn State freshmen, it was their first THON experience. From the first time seeing the new Line Dance to the Final Four hours, THON is a huge Penn State experience.

Our freshmen staffers shared their thoughts after experiencing THON 2025!

Hannah Fuller

I loved being able to experience my first-ever THON. The atmosphere was incredible and seeing the dancers’ hard work and dedication payoff was rewarding. I’m so proud to be a part of such an amazing community. #FTK.

Lauren Gruca

My first THON was a weekend I won’t forget. It was so memorable and emotional. I didn’t really know what was going to happen so everything was a fun surprise. From the Line Dance to all the fun concerts, I was never bored. There was so much going on all the time. I loved being on the floor taking photos and dancing with all the other Onward State staffers. I was there for over 37 hours, so my feet were absolutely burning, which was the worst part of the weekend, but it was all worth it in the end. So happy that I got to be a part of an amazing cause!

Olivia Hess

My first THON was so magical. I got to be a part of Dancer Relations, which was an amazing experience within itself. Being in the BJC and seeing the faces of families, kids, and dancers who were just so excited to be there was so cool. It put everything into perspective. I could write a three-page essay on why my first THON was better than anything I could have imagined, but all in all, I was so lucky to play a small role in an organization that directly changes the lives of so many. FTK!

Tia Kaschauer

My first THON was insane. I was able to be on the floor taking photos because of my participation in a THON Public Relations committee! I absolutely loved it all. From The Fray to having confetti stuck in my hair and tears running down my face, THON was an amazing weekend. Sadly, Monday came around, and I slept through all my classes, but it was For The Kids! I’m very excited to be involved again next year.

Ryan McInerney

THON Weekend was unlike any other. Seeing the whole Penn State community come together and stand for 46 hours in support FTK really shows what this school is about. The Line Dance took a little while to get down, but once I learned it, I brought the BOOM. I can’t wait to run it back next year.

Melanie Thalhimer

My first THON was truly memorable. The atmosphere, the energy, the people…nothing but love. FTK always and looking forward to making a difference again next year!

Oscar Orellana

While I was only at THON for eight hours from midnight to 8 a.m. on day three, I could tell that it’s an event that encapsulates what Penn State is at its core. Penn State is about community, empathy, and compassion all roped into one university. I’ve learned all of that through my first year here, and THON only put the icing on the cake. I was there in the “dead” hours of the night, and the energy was still great inside the BJC. I definitely want to experience the first and final four hours next year to truly be able to reflect on THON as a whole, but my first impression was one for the books.

Ella Wehmeyer

My first THON was anything I could have ever imagined. I spent around 40 hours in the Bryce Jordan Center this past weekend, and I wouldn’t have changed it for the world. I rushed over after class to the BJC before THON even started at 3 p.m. right before the Human Tunnel and was there on the floor until midnight. My first Line Dance was something I’ll never forget, and I was definitely teary-eyed by the end of it. Shooting The Fray was unforgettable, and I loved every second. By the end of my first shift, I had spent almost 10 hours standing and I was already in pain. I had never been happier to get back to my dorm to get some rest but was only able to get in about two hours before having to get up to make it back to the BJC bright and early at 6 a.m.

I was back on the floor from 6 a.m. to noon, but quickly made my way up to my first time on press row. Being able to watch from above all the dancers was such an amazing experience. After my shift was over, I still wanted to make it to the Pep Rally, so I stayed around in the stands. My knees and feet were really beginning to be in pain, but I wanted to push through and experience all the big moments of THON.

After the Pep Rally, I was able to make it back home and get in another solid two hours of sleep before making it back over to the BJC at 2 a.m. for the last day of THON and my graveyard shift. This was probably one of the more difficult times for everyone in the BJC standing because you’re so close, yet so far. I spent my time editing photos and listening to some great performances, especially when Adam & the Armadillos got up on stage. I eventually made my way back onto the floor to close out my last five hours of working.

Although my work was over, there was no way I was missing my first THON Final Four hours. Making my way back up into the stands of the BJC, these were some of the hardest four hours. Combined with the emotional stories and the fact that my exhaustion started to hit me at 2 p.m., I was going through it. Being able to be there when the dancers finally got to sit and the final reveal of raising over $17.7 million was unforgettable. It was an amazing first THON.