Kayla Nakonechni Knight Award
Kayla Nakonechni, who the award is named after, was a Penn State student and Penn State Dance Marathon (THON) dancer when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 astrocytoma. In August 2013 she underwent surgery to have a tumor removed from her left brain. Her surgery came after months of partial seizures, including a full gran mal seizure, and her diagnosis came as a surprise. Kayla elected to have all of her procedures and treatment at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, in large part due to her passion for THON. Kayla immediately took her incredible strength and positive attitude into six weeks of daily radiation and weekly chemotherapy.
She returned to Penn State after missing only one semester and made the Dean's List despite still going through chemo treatments. Before THON 2014, Kayla received the Diamond of Strength Award at the Road To THON Celebration. Though she experienced complications over the next year, including several blood transfusions and a bout with a lung disease, Kayla had no evidence of the disease. In December 2014, Kayla graduated from Penn State with a degree in biology. In late 2014, Kayla's cancer returned. After weeks of chemotherapy and another round of radiation in July 2014, Kayla's tumors had decreased in size. However, her body was not able to withstand the cumulative effects of her treatment and disease. She passed away surrounded by family on October 14, 2015. Each year during the Liberty Ball we will remember and honor Kayla for her strength, courage, and incredible passion for THON.
This year’s winner is The Steve Stefani Dance Marathon!
The Steve Stefani/SHS Dance Marathon is currently in its 18th year, holding its first Mini-THON in March of 2003. Over the years, they have grown in size and strength, and are looking forward to even more growth this year. Coming off a successful campaign that raised a remarkable $196,315.57 for Four Diamonds, they have now raised an impressive $2,392,437.00—ALL FOR THE KIDS!
Utilizing a dedicated and spirited organizational structure of a leadership team, captain positions, committee members, and dancers, this student-led dance marathon is one of the most recognizable organizations at Springfield High School. This year the Dance Marathon will be sponsoring special events such as a car wash, Ford/Lincoln Driven to Give event, the PowderPuff football game, a pancake breakfast, the Blacklight Dance, a Glow Run 5k, Handbag Bingo Night, Paint Night, and our Cougars Got Talent contest, along with many more activities that lead up to our event.
This year we will also be selling Luminaries for our 3am Luminary Walk during the night of our event as well as different merchandise that will showcase this year’s logo and slogan. Continuing on from previous years will be the Mail Call for Dancers midway through the night.
Even with all of these events, the Fundraising Committee is putting together Baskets to be raffled off the night of our mini-THON. The proceeds from all the combined events help to fund our mini-THON’s total. They are very proud of the continued support and love from their school and the communities of Morton and Springfield since the marathon’s inception.
You are welcome to visit www.ssdmftk.org to learn more about The Steve Stefani Dance Marathon.