Four Diamonds Mini-THON recognized Lisa Teixeira, Kennett High School’s librarian and advisor of both the Humanitarian Club and Mini-THON, during the 2021 Mini-THON Leadership Summit on Aug. 6. Awards were given to advisors who help their local Mini-THON and their student participants excel through leadership development, student body participation, fundraising, and community service, and Teixeira was acknowledged for her truly outstanding achievement. Kennett High School students joined more than 500 student leaders and advisors for the annual Four Diamonds Mini-THON Leadership Summit, which was a virtual event this year, to share best practices and ideas, celebrate successes, and inspire each other to continue the fight to conquer childhood cancer. 

Teixeira was nominated for this award by Grace Pruitt and Hayley Magana, co-chairs of Kennett’s 2021-2022 Mini-THON committee. In the letter they wrote to Four Diamonds, Grace, a rising senior, said that she “attributes all of the leadership skills that [she has] developed to Ms. Teixiera.” Grace highlighted Teixeira’s unwavering respect for students’ opinions and views but also her ability to “[help students] subtly change them to develop as a leader.” Grace describes

Teixeira’s passion for Mini-THON as “utterly unmatched. She is always willing to work extra and tackle extra responsibilities if she sees anyone struggling in any way.” Grace is certain that she is “a better committee member, leader, and person” because of Teixeira. 

Hayley Magana, also a rising senior, had always wanted to “be a larger part of helping the community, and Ms. Teixeira was that resource that allowed [her] to grow.” Teixeira “would always encourage [her] to step up and take on [greater challenges].” Hayley cites the enthusiasm Teixeira has not only for Mini-THON but for those whom she leads as being truly inspiring. 

“Ms. Teixiera is one of the main reasons Mini-THON is so successful at our school, not only because of her passion but also her powerful presence both in school and personally,” Hayley added. 

When asked about receiving the award, Teixeira was overwhelmed. 

“I am just so touched that Grace and Hayley went through the trouble of writing to nominate me. They made me a beautiful card and presented me with flowers. Truly, it was a highlight of my time at Kennett,” she said.  “I am just so grateful for the recognition of something that allows me the privilege of working with such amazing students -- an incredible and humbling honor.”

Mini-THONs are modeled after the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, or THON, the world’s largest student-run philanthropy. Since 1993, Mini-THONs have raised more than $50 million. The funds are used to drive the discovery of new and improved treatments and cures for childhood cancer by supporting the work of more than 90 researchers at Penn State Children’s Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine. Four Diamonds also supports families by covering all medical expenses not paid for by insurance for every eligible child. 

During the 2020-2021 school year, 161 schools teamed up with Four Diamonds Mini-THON to raise more than $2.8 million to help conquer childhood cancer. 

Kennett High School has been a Mini-THON participating school for six years, raising nearly $240,000, including an impressive total of $39,000 from the recent 2021 event. Teixeira has been a consistent driving force behind the organization since the very beginning. 

To make a donation to Kennett High School’s Mini-THON, visit https://fourdiamonds.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=3113, or visit www.FourDiamonds.org/MiniTHON to get involved.