In the blink of an eye, THON 2025 has come and gone.

While underclassmen had the chance to experience their very first THON this year, seniors gave the largest student-run philanthropy in the world their final farewell. Whether they were involved with THON all four years or had their first and last run with it, seniors across campus are experiencing the bittersweet taste of graduating shortly and starting their next chapter in life.

Some of our senior staffers took the time to reflect on their final THON Weekends.

Aidan Conrad

This was my third and final time covering THON with Onward State, and I couldn’t be any happier with this year’s event. We witnessed a record-breaking event with many great performances throughout the weekend. I felt the magic more than any other year this past weekend, and I’m grateful to be a small part of it.

Charlie Pegler

THON is always one of the key memories of every single year at Penn State. Since freshman year, THON has given me the opportunity to see countless musical acts, learn four Line Dances, and a chance to hear some truly incredible stories. It is sad that I won’t be at THON ever again as a student, but I am excited to follow along with Onward State for many years to follow.

CJ Doebler

I only covered three THONs with Onward State, but I think I’ve gotten to see almost everything that goes on during those three years. National acts, the Pep Rally, and the intermittent stage acts are part of the fun that distracts from the reason why everyone is there, but that reason can’t be ignored forever.

During the Final Four, it hits. Your heart is broken with every face that comes across the big screen and the magnitude of the battle faced and the courage of those facing it becomes crystal clear. Onward State supports THON in a different way, but I’m glad to be a part of it.

Evan Halfen

I had the privilege and honor of being a part of THON in some capacity all four years of my Penn State career. Every single THON Weekend I’ve experienced has been everything I could have ever asked for. Being able to engage and interact with dancers, volunteers, peers, and Four Diamonds children and families is something I will forever hold near and dear to my heart. Although this is my last THON as a student, I always have a piece of THON with me wherever I go and end up in life. This isn’t a goodbye, THON, it’s a “see ya later.”

Hailey Stutzman

Rather than being on the floor taking pictures, I spent my last THON on press row editing our photographers’ images and making sure everything was going smoothly behind the scenes. I am so proud of Onward State’s coverage.

THON means a lot to me because I lost my second cousin to leukemia a few years ago. I am eager to follow along with THON for years to come after I graduate!

Jack Scott

As I sit and write this reflection, feet up and room quiet, it’s hard not to be reminded of last weekend at each moment I take a break from typing. Beyond the dull ache in my arches, continued delirium from lack of sleep, and Zedd’s “Clarity” stuck in my head, THON made a mark on me this year that makes me actually a little sad to graduate.

Before I danced this weekend, I thought that I got what THON was about. I was excited to be representing my org and to raise money for a good cause, but it took 46 hours on my feet (well, maybe I got it in the first 15) to truly see what a special gathering THON is. Covered in a purple haze, positive vibes radiating from every direction, it’s almost as close as you can get to a dream world. Just about everyone you meet inside the arena on THON weekend is doing something inspiring or brave or both and to have a packed house willing each other to continue dancing is a seriously contagious feedback loop. Doing it all FTK isn’t something that happens anywhere else- the community came together, pulled something out of its imagination, and placed it in the BJC for us to take part in- and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be a small part of it.

Now that I’m at the end of my time in State College, my only regret is not getting involved sooner. That being said, THON’s hooked my younger brother and just about everyone I’ve talked to since this weekend, so I know it’s in good hands. I’ll be looking forward to doing my part and giving back as an alum, especially as THON continues to grow.

Keeley Lamm

THON is such a special event, and my last THON was no exception. After four years of covering THON from press row, I am so grateful to have played a part in spreading its mission. Every moment was meaningful, from each EDM set to singing the Alma Mater with my closest friends to seeing my parents who made the trip to see the THON magic in person. It was heavy to realize it was my last THON as a student, but it’s OK because now every time I hear “Million Voices,” I’ll think of how fun THON 2025 was.

Maya Thiruselvam

I’ve been a part of THON since my freshman year of high school. Over the past eight years, my relationship with THON has changed as my roles have changed from a volunteer to now someone who covers it for the media. Through these changes, I’m still amazed each year by how THON rallies a community for such an incredible cause and event. Hearing the family stories bring everyone together felt like magic, and the record-breaking total was the icing on the cake.

Joe Lister

I’m just happy to sleep again.

Mikey DeAngelis

During my four years at Penn State, I was never involved directly with THON. I spent all four years covering the event for Onward State, and that outside perspective allowed me to view THON through this special, magical single-weekend lens. I didn’t go to committee meetings, I didn’t go on retreats. Other than the occasional graphic or article about THON throughout the year, my entire THON experience lasted one weekend a year. I know people may not understand this, but that almost gives me an extra appreciation for how amazing it is.

I have lots of friends involved in THON, and seeing all their hard work culminate in one seamless 46-hour event is an extraordinary site. My last THON was no different. It was exhausting, and my anxiety is glad it’s over, but I know that next year when THON rolls around there will be a part of me wishing I was sitting on press row helping Onward State cover one of the best events that Penn State has to offer. There isn’t much more to say about THON that hasn’t already been said a million times. It’s awesome. I cried. I laughed. I danced. Over $17 million, all For The Kids.

Nolan Wick

THON Weekend is always an unforgettable experience. It’s an event I loved covering all four years, and it’s bittersweet knowing I won’t get to do it for Onward State again.

Like previous years, I worked two graveyard shifts and the Final Four. The graveyard shifts were great, as I got to watch Adam & the Armadillos as well as Velveeta perform — who, along with countless other performers, brought the energy to the Bryce Jordan Center in the middle of the night.

While being on the #GraveyardGang was fun, the Final Four will stick with me even more. Hearing stories from Four Diamonds families and witnessing all that Family Hour entails is an impactful reminder of just how important THON is. When dancers sat and the final total was revealed, I felt so happy and proud to be a Penn Stater. $17.7 million, all FTK.

Samarth Kulkarni

I absolutely loved THON this year! I’ve been lucky enough to be at THON each year that I’ve been at Penn State and watch as the totals (and energy!) grow from year to year.

This year was the best one yet, with a whole bunch of time spent on the floor, taking photos (and doing the Line Dance), and most of my time off shift was still spent in the BJC, with friends or cheering on the dancers! Admittedly, the long hours caught up with me over the last few nights, but I wouldn’t trade a second of it.

Being in the BJC during the Final Four was absolutely incredible — the energy, the anticipation, and that moment when the total was revealed. The crowd went wild, and it’s honestly hard to put that feeling into words. But as I was leaving, it hit me: This was my last THON as a student. That realization has really stuck with me, but more than anything, I’m just grateful to have experienced and been a part of something so special.