Oh, THON Weekend. There is truly nothing comparable to an enormous building filled with thousands of colorful volunteers, endless Subway sandwiches, squirt gun fights, tutus, tears and nonstop dancing for an amazing cause. THON Weekend is a beautiful culmination of a year of countless hours spent fundraising and planning. If you’re not a Penn Stater (or maybe you are and just never understood the hype or attended THON), it’s a pretty difficult concept to grasp. However, if you’ve been to THON, you may just recognize these characters that will be found this weekend lurking and sprinting around the BJC.
1. The hyperactive DRCM
Dancer Relations Committee Members (more conveniently referred to as “DRCMs”) are responsible for keeping spirits high during THON weekend and are notorious for their peppiness. As the ones largely responsible for keeping the dancers going all weekend, DRCMs can often be mistaken for Tasmanian devils. Even though caffeine is discouraged at THON, you would swear these people have IVs of coffee going into them. They can often be heard saying things such as “Do you need anything?” “You’re doing great!” or “When was the last time you ate?”
2. The picture perfect Four Diamonds Family
There is nothing more gratifying than seeing a Four Diamonds Family at THON. Being able to see a parent beaming as their child flits around blowing bubbles is delightful, especially when you know that that child may be able to be blowing those bubbles because of the efforts of THON. If THON was the Oscars, then the Four Diamonds families are the jaw dropping celebrities that everyone is so excited to honor.
3. The EC member running in 15 directions at once
The Executive Committee (EC) is a group of some of the most hardworking students at Penn State – they are the 16 directors who basically have a full-time job as they work tirelessly all year to serve as THON’s leaders and main movers. Throughout the year, the members of the EC are able to balance a tremendous amount. You may have never actually seen a member of the EC because they are often running around at the speed of light, and this is unfortunately not something that the human eye can capture. Headsets on and clipboards in hand, the EC will be ready for anything this weekend.
4. Girls who look like they’re ready for a Diplo concert
Personally, I love this look. Girls are often found in the stands and on the concourse looking ready as ever for an EDM concert – flash tats, face paint and rhinestones are a common sight. I think this is awesomely symbolic of the high energy that is expected in the BJC during THON Weekend. Pass me the glitter! Drop the bass!
5. Ned Bigby
I’m going to keep you guessing and not go into detail as the why, but Ned Bigby loves THON. Devon Werkheiser, best known for his role as Ned Bigby on the classic Nickelodeon show “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide,” has made several appearances at THON Weekend over the past few years. It’s unclear whether or not he’ll come this year, but keep your eyes peeled. Maybe Coconut Head will make an appearance too?
6. DU
Greek organizations proudly display their letters in the stands where they are posted up all of THON Weekend. A couple of years ago, everyone was talking about Delta Upsilon because they had the biggest letters in the BJC and it was hilarious – many joked that the letters were photo bombing their pictures. Frankly, I have no idea how they even got these letters to fit through the door. I hope that DU really ups the ante this year and I’m excited to see what big move they make.
7. The R&R committee member just trying to do their job
The Rules and Regulations committee serves as security during THON Weekend. As one would assume, they have to deal with a lot of crap from people who don’t understand the rules or who get cranky and impatient throughout the weekend. If you see an R&R member (they wear red shirts that say “security” on the back), thank them! They are likely dealing with a lot to make sure that you are having an enjoyable and safe weekend.
8. The delusional dancer
Those chosen to dance THON weekend embark on the journey of a lifetime. While dancing is a humongous honor, it is definitely challenging at times, especially as the weekend progresses. Staying up for nearly two days can really take a mental toll on someone. It is not uncommon to see dancers going a little loopy come Sunday, talking about a unicorn that they saw and how they need to go chase it. If this happens, you are encouraged to help them find this unicorn.
Congratulations to everyone involved with THON 2017! I hope that this weekend brings you endless happiness and memories that you can hold onto forever. FTK!