Families Discuss How Penn State THON Has Helped Shape Some of Their Toughest Moments

Vol. 119, No. 42 Feb. 14-17, 2019

Families discuss how Penn State THON has helped shape some of their toughest moments

By Lauren Lee National Student Speech Lan- members telling Mckenna she THE DAILY COLLEGIAN guage and Hearing Association, hopes she can have an entire year provided her while she was going of not needing to go to the doctor’s Sarah Speed will never forget through her battle with cancer. office. the night she received a call from In October, Penn State THON “Mckenna was like, ‘Why? Why the emergency room urging her to announced its 2019 theme as would you want that?’” Speed said. bring her daughter Mckenna to the “Shape the Moment,” as previous- “I just kind of revealed that [going hospital immediately. ly reported by The Daily Collegian. to the doctor’s office] is great for At just the age of three, Mck- According to THON, the philan- you, but mommy did not enjoy be- enna Speed was diagnosed with thropy chose the theme as a way ing at the hospital all the time.” acute lymphoblastic leukemia. to “create their own experience” Staying connected in the THON Speed, of York, Pennsylvania, and see “the light in the darkest of community means different things said the only symptoms she saw times.” for Mckenna and her mother. Mck- were that Mckenna was constant- “What shaping the moment enna enjoys all the activities and ly tired and catching viruses. It means to us is events with wasn’t until Mckenna’s pediatric that we found her THON or- surgeon noticed her spleen was ways, and frank- ganization ev- larger than usual that he ended up ly, Four Dia- “I know what it is ery year. calling for a cancer screening. It monds gave us For Speed, was then that they discovered she all these ways to to be there. It’s staying con- had almost no healthy white blood make treatment nected in the cells left. for cancer like a important for me community For Speed, the discovery com- fun experience can be bitter- pletely changed her life. for our kid,” to be there for sweet. “A cancer diagnosis is earth Speed said. those moments.” “Staying shattering,” Speed said. “What it From sending involved with robs from you is this blissful pre- care packages Sarah Speed this communi- sumption that you have as a parent to becoming pen Mother ty means that that your baby is going to grow up. pals, Speed said my friends’ You worry about, ‘Oh jeez, are they the THON com- children die going to want to play basketball munity became sometimes, like I did or what college they’re a “shining, bright, lovely light.” and I have to continue to face that going to?’ You never consider, ‘Is Mckenna was on treatment for over and over again,” Speed said. she going to make it to kindergar- around two and a half years. In “And I will, because I know what it ten?’” June 2017, Mckenna rang the cer- is to be there. It’s important for me Despite going through periods emonious bell at the Penn State to be there for those moments.” of inpatient care and treatment, Children’s Hospital in celebration Recently, Speed said her friend’s Speed said Mckenna looks back at of the end of her treatment. baby was diagnosed with cancer. her treatment as a fun time for her. Through Mckenna’s journey, Being there for her friend brought “She doesn’t remember pain and Speed said she has learned to find back all the memories of having being hungry before spinal taps better ways to cope with the tough the “new parent’s phase” she had and a million and a half doctor’s times. Speed said she remembers experienced when Mckenna was appointments,” Speed said. “She recently when she was on vacation first diagnosed. remembers her THON girls com- with her family and friends and “I wouldn’t trade anything like ing to visit her for her birthday. one of the children fell down a top that for the world,” Speed She remembers college students bunk bed and had to be taken to said. “But that means hanging out and playing Play-Doh the emergency room for stitches. I have to figure with her for a couple of hours in the Speed said in that moment her out better ways infusion room.” stress response was extremely to cope with this Speed said heightened. and learn from what helped “It’s probably from my post- a new angle. It’s shape Mcken- traumatic stress disorder of be- just this constant na’s perspec- ing a cancer mom. Your body is so process of trying tive was the used to reacting so strongly with to just face that mo- amount of sup- every little thing because you’ve ment over and over port her THON actually had this massive trauma,” again until we finally organization, Speed said. “Something like that beat this.” Penn State’s you overreact to.” chapter of the Recently, Speed said she re- See SHAPING, Page 3.

Graphics by Susan McGrory Photos by Aabha Vora, John Stinely and Jonah Rosen Page 2 | Feb. 14-17, 2019 ThoN The Daily Collegian

[them] for our kids and for us as Shaping parents, [they] are the light at the From Page 1. end of the tunnel. [They] are the hope in our darkest place.” Speed said having perspec- Noelle met Kirra at Hershey tive and perseverance makes Medical Center when they were a person resilient through the just 4 years old, and they grew up tough times. fighting cancer together. When “I’m trying to raise kids who doctors told Kirra’s family there think for themselves that stand would be no treatment for her up for when they believe in fourth battle with cancer, Wein- something and won’t give up hold said they created Christmas on any of their dreams,” Speed for Kirra — an initiative where said. “THON has been a really they came up with a list of gifts strong reminder of what that and decorations so Kirra could means — because every year celebrate Christmas one more we come together. Every year time. we mourn loss. Every year we “It was only 12 hours from the celebrate victories, and every time I posted [about the project] year we just keep going.” to the time we had everything that we needed to do Kirra’s ‘Light at the end of the last Christmas,” Weinhold said. Courtney Taylor/Collegian “More than 50 percent of the gifts tunnel’ were from Penn State students.” Volé Public Relations Director Taylor Novitsky and President Gabriela Laurentino pose outside on Feb. 13. Sara Weinhold , of Ephrata, Weinhold said students from all Pennsylvania, will always re- over at Penn State also created member how her daughter’s a Christmas video to show Kirra two THON organizations, Volé, their support. Weinhold took a re- Seniors set to dance in the Penn State Ballet Club and action video of Kirra and was able the former Alpha Sigma Phi to capture her smiling. chapter, have dropped every- “You could tell that there was a thing to be there for her daugh- lot she couldn’t understand at the ter during scary moments. end,” Weinhold said, choking up. At the age of four, Noelle was “But that you knew she did. The THON for the first time diagnosed with stage four Wilms way she lit up. She was so happy.” tumor, a form of kidney cancer. On Dec. 1, 2018, Kirra died. By Grace Miller getting more rest. Noelle, is what Novitsky will be Weinhold said she had to ask “Kirra embodied everything THE DAILY COLLEGIAN “I honestly just want to try to focused on this THON. Like Lau- her doctor to repeat himself about THON,” Weinhold said. enjoy as much of it as possible,” rentino and Novitsky, this week- 10 times initially because she Through the pain of the loss of Senior year may not seem like Laurentino said. “I’m sure it’s re- end will be Lauren Angelo’s first couldn’t wrap her head around their friend, Weinhold said No- a time of new beginnings, but for ally easy to complain a lot and to time dancing at THON. the news. elle uses Kirra’s memory and some, it’s their first opportunity wish that the time by faster, but I Angelo (senior-communica- A few years ago, Weinhold the strength she gained from her to dance at Penn State THON. only get to do this once and I want tions sciences and disorders) has remembers being on the phone family and the THON community Gabriela Laurentino and Tay- to enjoy all 46 hours.” been involved in THON organi- with members of Volé when they to create change. lor Novitsky are experiencing Being involved in THON, spe- zations since she was a fresh- heard Noelle in the background this first-hand. The pair, who cifically getting closer to their man and will be dancing for Lion sounding upset. Noelle was ‘The best role models’ THON family, has impacted Lau- about to go back to the doctor’s met their freshman year, are also Scouts this year. In the beginning of February, rentino. office for a routine scan to check roommates. “The first time I went to Weinhold said Noelle went to Laurentino (senior-human de- “It’s just been really cool to on the progress of her cancer THON,” Angelo said, “it was just the Pennsylvania State Capitol velopment and family studies) get to know them on this level,” treatment. a really cool experience. I was re- in Harrisburg to has been dancing since she was Laurentino said. “And then the Moments af- give a speech in ally eager to get more involved, so two years old. fact that Taylor and I are the ones ter she hung up “Because at the front of General I kind of felt like, what better way “It’s always just something that dancing for them on the floor is the phone, she end of the day, the Assembly mem- I’ve been really passionate about, just awesome. It’s really come full to end it?” received anoth- bers advocating and since I’ve been doing it for so circle for us.” The senior is looking forward er call from the families are the for Pennsylvania long, it kind of feels like a second The two grew closer to their to the positive environment in the members letting reason why we Senator Scott Mar- home,” Laurentino said. THON family during their sopho- Bryce Jordan Center, as well as her know they al- tin’s Senate Bill 74 Laurentino and Novitsky (se- more year. Since then, they have sharing the experience with her ready organized are here. They , which would cre- nior-civil engineering) are both surprised their THON child, friends. five cars to drive are exactly who ate a tax credit for on the executive board of Volé, a Noelle, at one of her basketball “The awesome thing about to the hospital to donations made to dance club they’ve been in since games, and were present when children that we see there [is be with Noelle we are fighting pediatric cancer their freshman year. Now, they’re Noelle learned she was five years that] they’re always smiling,” when she got her for.” research centers. dancing for the club during THON cancer free. Angelo said, “So I’d say that I just scans. Weinhold Weinhold said Weekend. Novitsky said the family always want to make sure that I’m smil- said they assured Meghan Yizzi the bill would help “It was something that I never has positive things to say about ing the whole time.” her that Noelle Family Relations Captain generate up to $100 thought I would do, but my sopho- them, and that Noelle’s mother Angelo said she’s been prepar- wasn’t going to million to fight pe- more year I got to know my THON tells them how lucky she is to be ing for the dance marathon by go through this diatric cancer over family really well, and ever since paired with their organization. cutting out coffee and doing more alone. the next 10 years. I’ve just grown really close to my “It’s kind of just touching cardio. Despite the struggle, An- “If it wasn’t for our orgs be- During her speech, Noelle, who to hear someone who’s been ing there, I don’t know if No- THON child and her mom,” Lau- gelo said the change is worth it, is now 10 years old, talked about through so much and has so much elle would have gotten through rentino said. “I’ve done so much as her body feels more energized. her experiences with cancer and with them and for them, that now on their mind taking the time to those scans,” Weinhold said, as about her friend Kirra. “[Giving up coffee was] not being the president of my club think about what we’re doing for sometimes it took eight people “She’s transforming into not easy,” she said with a laugh. and being someone who’s so im- them and that we are actually im- to hold Noelle down for x-ray only a beautiful lady,” Weinhold “I love Dunkin Donuts, so my portant in their life, it kind of just pacting them,” Novitsky said. scans. “They gave her the said, “but she’s also got the best made sense to be the person on Despite her young age, Noelle friends and I always get coffee. So strength. They held her hand. It role models to look up to.” the floor representing Volé and has inspired Novitsky. it’s been a little hard not seeing was just incredible.” Meghan Yizzi , a Family Rela- also representing them.” “She battled cancer herself as them and going with them.” Weinhold said so many mem- tions Captain for THON, said While Laurentino is wor- well as watching her best friend THON has impacted Angelo’s bers stopped by that they had to reflecting on this year’s theme ried about her feet hurting dur- pass away due to cancer, and she’s life in many ways, not just by re- leave the clinic because it was for THON helps put committee ing THON, she says she’s been so strong for that and we look up ducing her coffee intake. reaching capacity. members back into perspective preparing by eating healthier and to her,” Novitsky said. “I hope that “It makes you feel a little less In addition to visiting at the and explains why she is involved after this weekend, [Gabriela] and selfish in ways,” Angelo said. “It’s hospital, Weinhold said her with THON. I can inspire her in a similar way.” really awesome to see what small THON organization also helped “It makes me realize that I Like Laurentino, Novitsky has little amounts of kindness can do the family when they lost their THON because I have to,” Yizzi been dancing since a young age, to help someone else in need.” house. (senior-biochemistry and molec- starting when she was just 3 years She said that unless you go Weinhold said students paid ular biology) said. old. Throughout her time at her through the same experience, for the family to stay in a hotel Yizzi said while she got to studio at home, Novitsky had a it’s hard to relate to what can- room for the weekend and cre- know THON families from events dance demonstrator who would go cer patients and their families ated a GoFundMe to help pay throughout the year and listened on to be a Penn State student. Her go through. But by dancing, she for their first down payment on to their stories, she realized that their new home. demonstrator danced in THON as wants to show her support. the little moments make the big- a junior, but was diagnosed with “When we say we would not gest differences in their lives. “[THON has] definitely brain cancer later that year. When be where we are, we mean it,” “I think all of those little mo- changed me in a lot of ways. It Novitsky was a freshman at Penn Weinhold said. ments have gone along with the State, her dance demonstrator definitely made me value the Weinhold said Noelle’s THON theme, and shaped every second died. things I do have,” Angelo said. organizations also stopped by of their journey and shaped every “[The demonstrators] were all “A lot of families go through re- Hershey Medical Center on second of our journey,” Yizzi said. role models for us. Like you want- ally tough times, so to be able to their way back from a canvass- “Because at the end of the day, ed to be them when you got older,” kind of try to be in their shoes ing trip last fall to visit her and the families are the reason why for once is really an awesome Courtesy of Lauren Angelo Novitsky said. “Ever since then, her friend Kirra, another THON we are here. They are exactly experience.” Lauren Angelo, left, poses at Penn it’s kind of been my goal to dance child who had leukemia. who we are fighting for.” in honor of her and follow in her “Again, above and beyond in- State THON 2018. She will be danc- footsteps.” To email reporter: [email protected]. credible acts of selfless love,” To email reporter: [email protected]. ing in THON 2019. This, along with dancing for Follow her on Twitter at @graceemilleer. Weinhold said. “Seeing all of Follow her on Twitter at @lauren_llee. PENN STATE STUDENTS LIVE HERE! 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By Cayley Urenko cations) look thetics and days and people love hearing THE DAILY COLLEGIAN at past THON environment those bops from the early 2000s.” brands and of THON, There are six DJs and two In many captain and commit- compare that as they DJ coordinators on the Enter- tee member interviews for Penn to the brand create the tainment Committee who work State’s THON, one question is as it is today. atmosphere throughout the year to collect commonly asked: If you could de- They try to through new music and build playlists for scribe THON in one word, what maintain all music, per- different hours of THON. would it be? the elements, formances, Papandreas said THON 2019 Public Relations Brand Devel- such as tone, lighting and will have over 90 live performanc- opment Captain Colleen McBride messaging fun activities es throughout the weekend, so said when asked this question, and brand to engage a big portion of the weekend is she is at a loss for words, because personality. with the taken up by those acts. Papan- THON can only be described as a “We always crowds in dreas said a challenge she faced feeling. look at the the stands was reaching out to artists asking The feeling of walking into the mission and during THON them to perform for free. Bryce Jordan Center for THON make sure weekend, as “When you ask acts to come weekend, the feeling you get see- that anything well as other perform THON weekend, you ing the THON children’s smiling we say or THON events ask them to do it as a donation,” faces, or the feeling of pure joy aesthetics and like 100 Days Papandreas said. “We have to seeing the total revealed on Sun- colors that ’til THON and explain to them our mission and day afternoon after year-long fun- we decide on the THON why it’s so important that they do- draising efforts — all moments represents 5K. nate their time and effort.” indescribable for many THON that mission In the Bands, dance groups and other volunteers. to its core,” Bryce Jordan special performances take place The atmosphere of the Bryce McBride said. Center, the over the weekend, from local Jordan Center and the aesthetic “I think a lot of lighting is bands to Penn State student per- of the THON brand is a year-long that is pulled important formances to mystery guests. process to create the most posi- from the ex- to keep the “Some [artists] are getting po- tive and motivating environment periences that mood bright tentially thousands of dollars a for THON dancers, families, peo- families have and vibrant. night to play shows. We have to ple in the stands and even people with THON, A lot of pinks, explain why they should give up live streaming THON from home. and we draw blues, yellows [getting paid] and the experience From colors and fonts in the inspiration and purples they can provide,” Papandreas THON logo, to the lighting and from them and are used. said. music played in the Bryce Jordan we combine Entertain- “That’s also one of the most re- Center, the magic is in the details. it with our ment Direc- warding parts when you get some Brand development is a fairly creativity.” tor, Mary new bands and new acts to come new position within THON, which The THON Papandreas, in and they realize the power and was what drew McBride (senior- brand is up- said work- magic of THON weekend.” advertising) to take charge and held through ing with Papandreas said the people leave her mark within the THON social media entertain- she’s worked with through her brand. posts, graphic Ken Kalbach/Collegian ment is great THON experience at Penn State “This was a really great oppor- design, videos My Hero Zero rocks on stage at THON 2018 at Bryce Jordan Center on having some have driven her leading up to her tunity to really mold this position created by the Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018. of the power final THON Weekend. for years to come,” McBride said. production in what music “When you’re answering your “[In advertising,] I study con- team and signs will be played emails or going to your next sumer behavior, where a lot of it used during talented people on our commit- because it’s [THON] meeting, you remember is driven by brand perception. I THON weekend, as well as other tee — a team of artists and super great to see thousands of people the kids and those little moments love the nitty gritty details of how THON events throughout the creative people. I think they’ve in the Bryce Jordan Center sing- and the smiles brought to their much a color can send a message year. done an incredible job helping us ing along to one of her favorite faces THON weekend, especially to a viewer, and how much a word The Public Relations Commit- let people feel that ‘magic.’” songs. through what entertainment it’s can send a message to a listener.” tee’s theme for THON 2019 was “Everything that Nike does is “We censor all of the music and able to provide,” Papandreas McBride said she and her co- “Capture the Magic,” which is ‘Just Do It.’ Everything that we we pre-screen all the songs the said. “It’s priceless seeing one of captain, Evan Young, work so well what McBride, Young and the want to do is ‘FTK,’” Young said. acts are going to be performing the kids jam out to their favorite together with brand development team worked to achieve. “The brand really helps us estab- and make sure [the songs] are song or get to be a rockstar on because they both love to find the “Production, graphic design, lish our place in the philanthropic FTK,” Papandreas (senior-in- stage.” passion within the details. and photography, the very visual community of who we are, why dustrial engineering) said. “One As Public Relations Brand side of public relations, have done we do it and how.” of the coolest parts of THON is Development Captains, McBride such a good job,” Young said. The Entertainment Committee when you’re there it [kind of] To email reporter: [email protected]. and Young (senior-telecommuni- “We are surrounded by so many also plays a huge role in the aes- brings it back to your childhood Follow her on Twitter at @cayyyley. App brings THON to kids via augmented reality By Lauren Fox ing a camera to shape the world of something that could help the to bring augmented reality to some way, as well. THE DAILY COLLEGIAN around you in ways that you nor- children who can’t attend THON THON. Papandreas teamed up Papandreas and Finneran said mally couldn’t,” Gardner (soph- weekend to feel included and feel with Finneran in taking the lead while the THON livestream al- Many Four Diamonds families omore-computer science) said. just as involved in the Penn State on the project. lows people to watch the magic excitedly anticipate experiencing “It’s just magical.” environment as we are,” THON While Finneran and Papan- of THON, they think this app will Penn State’s THON in the Bryce During THON weekend, post- Public Relations Captain Anne dreas are the ones leading the be a step up by allowing people to Jordan Center — but not every ers will be placed all over the hall- Papandreas said. project, they do not have any participate in it directly. family is able to do so. ways of the hospital, and when Papandreas (sophomore- knowledge on computer coding, They hope that next year, Now, for the families who are children scan their iPhone or biobehavioral health) said she so they recruited computer sci- THON will continue to use aug- unable to attend the weekend- iPad over the poster, the app will thinks it’s hard for someone to ence students such as Gardner to mented reality for other events, long event, the philanthropy will recognize it, and the photo will truly understand the THON ex- actually work on developing the such as the Family Carnival and bring THON to them — through come to life on their screen in the perience without actually being app. the THON 5K. a new iOS app, THON AR. form of a video. there, so she hopes the app al- When Gardner heard about the While Finneran is a senior, Pa- THON AR is an app that in- Some of the videos will feature lows the kids who can’t make it to project, he knew he wanted to be pandreas, who is a sophomore, tends to bring THON to the Her- the Pep Rally and the 2019 Line THON feel like they are a part of involved, and he said using the plans to continue to work on this shey Medical Center through the Dance, as well as messages from the experience. skills he has obtained through his project. use of augmented reality. THON directors to the kids. In The app was dreamt up by major was the perfect way to con- “Technology is shaping the Kevin Gardner is one of the addition to the videos, there will THON Public Relations Captain tribute. “THON weekend is such world and THON is shaping life’s students who helped develop be interactive aspects of the app. Katherine Finneran. a magical time,” Gardner said. “I moments,” Papandreas said. “So the app, which is currently free For example, kids can blow on the Finneran (senior-public rela- can’t imagine missing it.” what better opportunity than to on the App Store, after hearing screen to blow bubbles, much like tions), who was introduced to He further explained that be- bring those together.” about the idea through his busi- the kids in the Bryce Jordan Cen- augmented reality during her cause of this, he was happy to ness fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi. ter get to do. internship with Showtime this help the kids at Hershey Medi- To email reporter: [email protected]. “[Augmented reality is] us- “The whole goal is just to think past summer, became inspired cal Center experience THON in Follow her on Twitter at @laurennn_foxx. ART CLASSES Classes start week of March 11!

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IN A SERIES OF SIX WEEKLY #5 FREE PUBLIC LECTURES PENN STATE LECTURES ON THE FRONTIERS OF SCIENCE ANNIVER H SA T R 5 Y 2

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t c a S t e f o A New Tool for L e rs ct ie ure nt s on the Fro Deep-Space Discoveries DOUG COWEN Professor of physics and of astronomy and astrophysics at Penn State When Earth was new, 4 billion years ago, a distant, massive black hole ﬁred an extraordinarily powerful jet of photons and neutrinos directly to where the planet would be on September 22, 2017 —the day one of those neutrinos crashed into a web of detectors buried under the Cosmic Clues IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the South Pole. IceCube alerted Open New telescopes to trace the neutrino’s path, revealing the ﬁrst known Frontiers in source of super-energetic neutrinos. Now you can learn more about Space this historic discovery and the clues it reveals about our universe.

Science Saturday, February 16 11:00 a.m. to about 12:30 p.m. Berg Auditorium, 100 Huck Life Sciences Building, Penn State University Park science.psu.edu/frontiers/ [email protected] • 814-863-4682 U.Ed. SCI 19-50 oPINIoNKelly Powers Jake Aferiat Colsen Ackroyd Page 4 Editor in Chief Opinion Page Editor Business Manager Feb. 14-17, 2019 Penn State could do more on sexual violence education

In an effort to raise Starting with the awareness of sexual OUR VIEW IFC is a good step for violence and sexual as- Penn State to take, as sault, the Interfrater- More sweeping changes are needed so retention and it’s also important to nity Council at George think about whether Washington University frequency of information become top priority programs like these is hosting a Valentine’s Day event entitled resonate more with greek life if they come “Love More, Love Bet- an educational aspect exactly consent is. students can just half- ter and Fear Less.” and making these pro- At Penn State there ass their way through from the IFC or the While this event grams accessible not are online programs instead of taking the university. However, may be part of George just to fraternities and like SAFE and AWARE initiative of actually just because start- Washington doing its sororities, but to the that all freshman are sitting them down for ing the conversation due diligence, after 33 general public. required to take prior mandatory seminars with the IFC might be reported rapes in 2017, On the point of at- to admittance into and activities related to prudent, it can’t be the it’s also an impor- tendance at events like the university, but sexual assault to really only time and place tant event and serves these, it’s important to programs like these ingrain the information that information gets an important cause note that even if five underscore the larger into students’ minds. relayed. regardless of circum- people show up, it was issues of retention of So, the university If Penn State wants stance. well worth it because knowledge and the rate does have a organi- It’s especially impor- those students could at which students are zations on campus to continue to tout its tant for other Interfra- go off and start an exposed to this infor- centering around com- safety and emphasis ternity Councils to take important dialogue and mation. bating sexual violence, on the well-being of proactive measures spread the information These programs, such as Men Against students, then it has to have events like to their friends. consisting mostly of Violence, but these are an obligation to pres- this and highlight the But, they can only clicking through slides, not run through the ent this information as prevalence of sexual do that if there’s a while initially helpful IFC, and their involve- often as possible to as assaults on college valuable education to students, ultimately ment in events isn’t many people as pos- campuses to attempt mechanism in place to highlight the disservice mandatory. sible and to be on the to cut down on the explain things, like the Penn State is doing The information forefront of improving numbers. fact that sometimes a the entire student delivered also needs the culture at college However, for these person might be too population by making to deal with more than types of events to be drunk to give consent, it the only mandatory just sexual assault and campuses. successful, there are that there could be a exposure to this infor- needs to address other And the bold Valen- a few things that need gray area in sexual mation. crucial things like tine’s Day statement to happen — namely assault or harassment Penn State presents domestic violence and from George Washing- enforcing some type for certain individuals this information in an relationship violence ton University seems of attendance policy, or students or what online program that as well. like an idea to emulate.

MY VIEW | Madeline Messa To my fellow singles on Scan the QR code to download the Valentine’s Day official Spotlight app for iOS smartphones. Collegian Inc. James Building, 123 S. Burrowes St. State College, PA 16801-3882 ©2019 Collegian Inc. Ah, Valentine’s Day. A day of we are blacklisted from the holi- social cues. In the span of two minutes, I love, roses and excessive PDA day. I’ve been to parties where had 28 matches, several of Board of Editors — unless you’re among the Full disclosure: I have never guys approached me and held which were “super likes.” Editor in Chief proud loners like myself. dated anyone, so I cannot say conversations with me. While anyone else might view Kelly Powers While everyone for sure what we singles are I naively think they are only this as a self-gratifying success, Managing Editor around me is missing out on. being friendly, and I am not con- I panicked at the first message I Kara Duriez absorbed in Yep, that’s right: I’m 21, a vinced otherwise until a friend received and immediately closed Digital Managing Editor throes of mushy- junior in college and have never asks me to visit them on the out of the app. gushy romance, dated. other side of Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I Andrew Kalmowitz I’ll be walking to That is, unless, the room to tell would rather have a relationship Opinions Editor my classes as you count me “For the ‘single me they were founded on friendship, or on an Jake Aferiat usual in the being asked out pringles out there, inching closer in-person encounter than one News Editor morning and on a playground to me and low- that begins based on how attrac- Patrick Newkumet probably enjoying in fourth grade it is almost ering their arm tive strangers think I am in a Assistant News Editor Messa fast food while one week before I expected for us to to my waist. few photos. Maddie Aiken wearing sweat- moved some 1600 Don’t get me It’s cliché, but use Valentine’s feel as though we News Social Media Editor pants in the evening. Who needs miles across the wrong, it is far Day as a reminder to love your- Erin Hogge a candlelit dinner when you can country as dat- are blacklisted from closer to obvi- self. Features & Investigation Editor indulge in Taco Bell or a pint of ing. ous flattery Don’t be disappointed if Alison Kuznitz Ben and Jerry’s? Most people Valentine’s Day.” than it is any- nobody buys you a $5, spray- This may sound like resigning my age would where near painted rose. Arts & Lifestyle Editor to self-pity, but I recognize it as hide that tidbit of Madeline Messa harassment. Now that you’re in college, Kara Fesolovich a comfortable night in. information Columnist But I always you can take comfort in knowing Sports Editor Of course, going out is an about them- end up wanting the inevitable public make-out Tyler King option, too. selves, but I see to face palm sessions will no longer awk- Assistant Sports Editor The bars are sure to compete no reason to be myself for not wardly block you from the Matt Lingerman with happy hour deals to entice ashamed of it. picking up on such obvious textbooks in your high school Sports Social Media Editor couples, but those deals are just It’s not that I’m someone who hints. locker. Dylan Jacobs as available to groups of advocates for abstinence or is I downloaded Tinder on a Chocolate is no less sweet Multimedia Editor friends. opposed to commitment. whim to see what it was — and when it comes in heart-shaped Jack Hirsh If you want to be involved in It’s simply that I am a quiet because it’s somewhat of a boxes, so treat yourself when Photo Editor some way, find buddies to grab person who regards more given that people are on that it’s reduced to half-price once dinner or a few drinks with. importance in myself as an indi- app for relationships (or one- Cupid retires his bow for the Caitlin Lee I have nothing against the vidual than as a part of some- night flings). year. Assistant Photo Editor couples who mark Feb. 14 on body else. I opened it recently for the Aabha Vora their calendars as a date night And, hey, playing the “I never first time in months because my Madeline Messa is a junior majoring in To contact News Division: News, Opinions, Arts, Sports, Photo, Graphics, The — all the power to them. dated” card is a guaranteed win friend was curious what would journalism and political science and is a Daily Collegian Online and The Weekly Collegian But for the ‘single pringles’ for me in the game “Never Have happen if I swiped right on columnist for The Daily Collegian. Email Phone: 814-865-1828 | Fax: 814-863-1126 like me out there, it is almost I Ever.” every person the app suggested her at [email protected] or follow her expected for us to feel as though Also, I suck at picking up to me. on Twitter at @madeline_messa. Board of Managers Business Manager Colsen Ackroyd We want to hear from you verification. Letters should be opinion is determined by its als. Penn State students write Vice President signed by no more than two peo- Board of Opinion, which is made and edit both papers and solicit Rachel Weber Send us your comments on ple. Members of organizations up of members of its Board of advertising for them. Advertising Manager our coverage, editorial decisions must include their titles if the Editors, with the editor in chief During the fall and spring Scott Witham and the Penn State community. topic they write about is connect- holding final responsibility for semesters as well as the second Business Operations Manager Email: editorinchief@ ed with the aim of their groups. content. The opinions expressed six-week summer session, The Anfisa Kashkenova psucollegian.com The Collegian reserves the right on the editorial page are not Daily Collegian publishes Mon- Creative Department Managers Online: collegian.psu.edu to edit letters. The Collegian can- necessarily those of Collegian day through Friday. Issues are Hannah Degler, Leah Kochenour Postal Mail/In Person: 123 S. not guarantee publication of all Inc., a separate institution from distributed by mail to other Promotions Managers Burrowes St., State College, PA letters. Letters chosen also run Penn State. Penn State campuses and sub- Cody Mandell, Sam White 16801 on The Daily Collegian Online scribers. Business Insights Manager and may be selected for publica- About the Collegian Letters should be about 200 Complaints Greg Giliberti words. Student letters should tion in The Weekly Collegian. All The Daily Collegian and The Sales Managers letters become property of Colle- include class year, major and Weekly Collegian are published News and editorial complaints Andrei Mitrut, Pierre Coupin campus. Letters from alumni gian Inc. by Collegian Inc., an indepen- should be presented to the edi- To contact Business Division: should include graduation year. dent, nonprofit corporation with tor. Business and advertising Advertising, circulation, accounting and classifieds All writers should provide their Who we are a board of directors composed of complaints should be presented Phone: 814-865-2531 | Fax: 814-865-3848 address and phone number for The Daily Collegian’s editorial students, faculty and profession- to the business manager. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays Feb. 14-17, 2019 SPoRTS Page 5 who saw ThIs CoMING?

Zack Gething/Collegian Students storm the court after Penn State’s 75-69 upset No. 6 Michigan at the Bryce Jordan Center on Tuesday, Feb. 12. Led by Lamar Stevens’ double-double, Penn State stuns No. 6 Michigan at the Bryce Jordan Center By Tyler King “Leadership never takes a day Jamari [Wheeler] got a steal so I but he’s got a tremendous mid- “Anything for us to win, I would THE DAILY COLLEGIAN off. He gets that now.” knew I had to sprint back for him range game. That’s something be willing to do,” Stevens said. For Stevens, leadership goes and I saw the opportunity to block Jon Teske never has to guard.” “That’s what our team needed The word maturity is often beyond good body language and it. It just meant so much for me It seemed like Stevens was and I know everybody on our used when referring to a three- communicating well with his to get the stops for my team. We able to get himself into good spots team from top to bottom would year starter that is second in teammates. He’s completely all played hard, and those types of to shoot the ball against Teske, have done the same. the Big Ten in bought in to Chambers’ defense- plays get everybody fired up.” particularly in the first half when MEN’S scoring. first methodology and it’s The second block resulted in Stevens had 15 points on just To email reporter: [email protected]. But that’s showing over the Nittany Lions’ a jump ball that gave Penn State under 50 percent shooting. Follow him on Twitter at BASKETBALL the way Pat last three games, in which they the ball back, and after the play “I felt like that was our mis- @King_TylerB. Chambers are now 2-1 with a close loss on Stevens was about as animated match,” Chambers said. “I described his star player –– the road against Ohio State. as he’s been all season. felt like we could try to go at Lamar Stevens –– after the The Philadelphia native has “[Stevens’ blocks] prevented [Jon] Teske and put them Penn State had just handed No. always been known for his points and swung the momentum on their heels a little bit.” 6 Michigan its third loss of the scoring abilities, and he put up a back to us,” Chambers said. Chambers said he came season. game-high 26 points against the “We talk about toughness, to Stevens a few weeks Chambers has seen Stevens Wolverines despite shooting just we talk about talking, we talk with ago with the idea of become a much different player, 9-of-23 from the field. But it was about teamwork. I think Lamar giving him more minutes on and off the court, throughout his defense that sticks out. He’s [Stevens] led us in that tonight.” at the five in some small his third year in Happy Valley –– quickly becoming one of the Big While those two blocks will ball lineups. Stevens a season that has gone nowhere Ten’s elite two-way players. certainly make the highlight played the five in near as planned. “It’s really just a ‘want to’ reel, his overall defensive effort some smaller line- For the first time since middle [mentality] and he’s doing a great won’t. But that’s what ultimately ups last season, school, Tony Carr isn’t playing job,” Chambers said of Stevens’ impressed Chambers the most. but never for alongside him and the Nittany defensive play of late. “He did a “[Everyone is] going to see the an extended Lions are continuously finding great job against Northwestern, monster blocks and all that stuff,” amount of new ways to lose one-possession Ohio State and now tonight.” Chambers said. “I’m going to look minutes. games. But as Stevens has said Stevens came up with a at it the way he was doing what he on numerous occasions this huge block against Vic Law was supposed to do. He’s keeping season, a person’s true character in Penn State’s road win over guys in front of him, playing good is revealed during tough times. Northwestern a little over a week team defense. I thought what he We’ve sure learned a lot about ago, and on Tuesday night, he had did was better in the half court.” who Stevens really is as a leader two incredibly important blocks Stevens’ role was much this season. within 30 seconds of each other, different on Tuesday night. Mike “Early on [this season], both of which kept his team’s lead Watkins and John Harrar, Penn [Stevens] was down on himself at eight. State’s two traditional big men, too, but now I think he’s broken “I remember, the first play combined to play just 26 minutes, through that and understands [Ignas Brazdeikis] went up for meaning Stevens played about what a leader is, what it means the layup, I just sprinted back 14 minutes at the five in a small to lead,” Chambers said following and I saw the opportunity [for ball lineup that really caused Penn State’s 75-69 upset win. the block]. The other one, I knew Michigan problems. Michigan freshmen Ignas Brazdeikis was battling foul trouble all night long and he would have likely been in to guard Stevens when Penn State went small, but instead John Beilein The had to leave conversation his center, was short Jon Teske, and it exem- in to try and plifies what slow Stevens Stevens has down. become as a

“It’s a bad leader. Zack Gething/Collegian matchup the The only way they were thing Stevens playing, and needed to hear [Stevens is] Chambers say so talented,” was that he Beilein said. thought it would Zack Gething/Collegian “He’s not a help the team win. Lamar Stevens (11) dribbles down the lane during the game against No. 6 Michigan at the great three- Once Stevens heard Bryce Jordan Center on Tuesday, Feb. 12. Penn State upset No. 6 Michigan 75-69. point shooter, that, he was in. Page 6 | Feb. 14-17, 2019 SPoRTS The Daily Collegian DiggiNg THON Penn State opens EIVA play this weekend, but the Nittany Lions aren’t forgetting THON By Grace Vocalina vin Mende were all a part of the THE DAILY COLLEGIAN men’s volleyball THON dance of 2016. Penn State THON holds a Even though the team did not special place in people’s hearts, place in the top two, the memo- and although Penn State men’s ries Braswell recalls from that volleyball is nev- event were ones of unity and to- MEN’S er able to truly getherness as everyone came partake in the together in one building to raise VOLLEYBALL event dedicated awareness for this cause. for kids with “It was a great experience. We childhood cancer, the team tries were not that good, but we still to participate in it as much as had a lot of fun. We always try possible. to participate in fundraising ac- With two upcoming home tivities because it is difficult due games which mark the begin- to us being in season,” Braswell Collegian File Photo ning of conference play this said. Men’s volleyball performs at the SAAB Lip Sync Battle in Freeman Auditorium on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018. weekend, it also is the one time The team does their own fund- of the year when neon colors raising on the side throughout the overtake the Bryce Jordan Cen- year to raise money for THON, as ter down the road. well as participating in several Balancing THON with business As much as this is one of the events outside of their own fund- biggest weekends in the Penn raising. By Gianna Galli “I think it is one of the best “The flip side of that is in this State calendar, coach Mark Pav- The one event the team is most THE DAILY COLLEGIAN things Penn State does,” Pavlik office, our job is to worry about lik is focused on the matches at known for is the sports team lip- said. “It’s just great to be a part of what we do,” Pavlik said. hand. sync battle, an event put on an- When Mark Pavlik’s team re- a weekend where that’s the main The team is in full support “In this office, our job is to nually to raise money for THON. turns to State College this week- focus.” and will always embrace the ef- focus on what we do. THON This past fall, the freshmen that end, volleyball won’t be the only In previous years, Penn State forts Penn State takes to put the doesn’t impact us in terms of represented the team won the thing on the play- participated in choreographing event together. preparation. We do what we do gold over all of the other teams ers’ minds. a dance to perform at THON, as But, what they need to focus because that is the way things involved with the event. MEN’S Like many stu- well as leaving with a trophy in on this weekend is conference happen,” Pavlik Freshman Cal VOLLEYBALL dents on campus, the lip-sync battle. play in the form of taking care said. Fisher spoke about the Nittany Li- This year, the Nittany Lions of its goal in growing as a team Yet, the en- “The whole vibe what the team does ons are excited for Penn State’s won’t have a chance to show off and preparing for Harvard and ergy and atmo- to raise awareness THON and are enjoying the week their off-the-court talents due to Sacred Heart. sphere on cam- this week on for the cause, as well leading up to it. extremely vital matches the team “THON doesn’t really impact pus completely campus leading as how even though But due to EIVA play starting must put every ounce of effort us in terms of preparation and changes when it they are unable to this weekend with home match- into. we do what we do because that’s is THON week- up to it is really make the event ma- es against Harvard and Sacred However, this is not stopping the way things have to be done end. special.” jority of the time, Heart, Penn State’s players won’t them from expressing their ap- here,” Pavlik said. With more due to their team be- get the chance to participate in preciation for the event, and the Despite the fact they won’t be than 700 danc- Mark Pavlik ing in season. They the philanthropic event. players said they plan to make an taking part in THON as much ers to represent Coach do everything they As the campus prepares for its appearance at the BJC at some as the Nittany Lions would like, their organiza- can to let people largest occasion, Pavlik’s team is point over the 46-hour marathon. the ability to prepare for a game tions, there is a know they are think- working toward having a success- They’ve also spent the past during a full week of positivity strong sense pride within the ing of them and their journey. ful weekend at home after a trip months assisting in fundraising is what Pavlik feels helps the community. “We were in the lip-sync battle. to California extending its losing for the annual event. team create great mindsets and “The whole vibe this week on Our freshmen group did a skit, streak to four games. “We support other teams dur- makes their matches all that campus leading up to it, is really and we won it. We raised a good But, these athletes know this ing fundraisers and trying to do more special. special,” Pavlik said. amount of money for THON,” weekend will offer them more the little things is what matters to “With so much good going For redshirt junior Luke Fisher said. success than just winning a few us,” Luke Braswell said. on, so much effort being made Braswell, he remembers the Even though men’s volleyball volleyball matches when realiz- While scheduling constraints for the kids and because of the last time the team was able to will be starting a match at the ing there is more to life than just will prevent the players from kids and our student population fully partake in THON, and were same time the 46-hour dance the sport. playing as large a role in THON embracing that, the whole vibe able to make a dance to be per- marathon occurs, the children The Nittany Lions are look- as they have in recent years, of campus this week leading up formed during the sports dance and people representing this ing forward to preparing for both Pavlik feels the team will handle to it is really special,” Pavlik battle. cause are never far from the conference play and making a dif- balancing the two events well said. Braswell, Frank Melvin, Ja- team’s thoughts. ference for children and families because his team knows there is Visit collegian.psu.edu to son Donorovich, Lee Smith, Visit collegian.psu.edu to read impacted by childhood cancer. business to take care of. read the full story. Matthew McLaren, and Cal- the full story. Making a racket STAY HEALTHY for THON weekend By Ryan Lam THE DAILY COLLEGIAN

Penn State has had a packed schedule to start off the season playing multiple meets over the weekend. They THON will be facing off against William & Mary at home this Friday, but a special event is awaiting MEN’S after that. PARTICIPANTS AND SUPPORTERS TENNIS THON weekend is arguably the largest event on campus, and the tennis team has been a big part of the action with Ath- lete Hour at their facility and the Pep Rally. Coach Jeff Zinn spoke highly of this tradition and also on his support Large gatherings pose an increased risk for for THON. “They love this and it couldn’t be for a better fundraiser. It’s so lucky that we are at home for the weekend and we the spread of influenza. Protect yourself and scheduled to have Saturday off so they can have a lot of fun,” Zinn said. others by: “They put a lot of effort into it and they have a blast. It’s good for the team, the school and the charities and it’s a win-win for Staying home if you are sick everybody so we always try to be a “Everyone part of it,” Zinn added. has a great Washing your hands often Junior Noah Sutter and sopho- time and is more Chris Kuhnle will be participating in both this year and shared doing it for Covering your cough or sneeze their thoughts of being involved. the kids.” “I’ve done THON since my fresh- Getting a flu vaccine, still available through man year so this is my third time Chris Kuhnle doing it. It is in season, but we find Men’s Tennis University Health Services time to try to learn a dance because it’s fun for all of us and it’s something we rarely get to do,” Sutter said. “This will be my second year doing it. Had an amazing experience and can’t wait to get back out there again and do it every year,” Kuhnle added. They are also proud of their involvement in such a large event for a great cause. “It’s unbelievable. This is the largest student-run philanthropic event in the world and it’s nice to be a part of that,” Sutter said. “We’ve such a large population that we can be a part of it, and it’s fun when the athletes can get involved, too.” “It really brings everyone together under one cause and unites the campus. Everyone has a great time and is doing it for the kids,” Kuhnle said. The athletes also shared a bit of the details for their Pep Rally performance, perhaps something involving lighting or light dancing. “For the Athlete Hour, we always just have fun with the kids in the mini tennis courts,” Sutter said. “For the Pep Rally, we’ve always given our best but we’ve got something really special this year that would light up the stage.” “We are really going to light it up this year and you should really keep your eyes on us,” Kuhnle said. To email reporter: [email protected]. studentaffairs.psu.edu/health Follow him on Twitter at @ryrylam210. The Daily Collegian PhoTo Feb. 14-17, 2019 | Page 7 throwback to thon 2018 pep rally

Collegian file photo Aabha Vora/Collegian Collegian file photo Men’s gymnastics performs their lip sync routine during Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos performs in the THON Rachel Reese embraces the Nittany Lion after her perfor- Saturday night’s pep rallyLion during THON 2018 on Feb. 17. pepsl rally at the Bryce Jordanist Center on Saturday, Feb. 17. mance during Saturday night’s pep rally during THON 2018. BUY IT SELL' IT RENTIT

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This week, The Daily Collegian published a five-part video series featuring interviews with 16 THON dancers talking about their expectations and emotions before hitting the floor. The final part of the series is their answers to, “Why do you THON?”

I’ve met Penn For Ayrton, who State students is my Four who were Four Diamonds Diamonds Dakota Justin family’s child. children who are He inspires me now THON volun- Ker Starkman every day. Just teers. So I really what he does thon for them with everything because they’re going on, and he giving back to still acts like a what saved their normal 10-year- lives essentially. old, is just amazing. For our three families; the I met my THON Knapers, the child and she’s Eslingers and the Olivia Lakshmi currently fighting Tramels. So that cancer right now. every kid has the Body She’s a super chance to be a Hirpara soldier essential- kid. Just so they ly. And I’m really, don’t have to really close with worry about it, her, so I’m super and one day we excited to dance can have a can- for her. cer free world. I thon for the I thon for more happy childhood tomorrows and that everyone so that kids Maire Joe deserves. And for can have more the Eslingers, the birthdays. And McLaughlin D’Imperio Knapers and the so they can hang Tramels, FOTO’s out with their three families. friends, and so I go to fight for that no parent them every day, has to hear the and they’re and words, ‘Your child absolute inspira- has cancer.’ tion to me. For our families, which are The For our families: Andrew Creasy the Knapers, Family and The Ellie Josh the Eslingers Christopher and the Tramels. Moore Family. French Brodie But there’s a lot I thon for them of kids suffer- and other kids ing from cancer that have gone who aren’t from through some Pennsylvania, tremendous who don’t get to battles that no experience this kid should have — so I thon for to go through. them too. I had a sibling When I was a with, not cancer, senior in high but another dis- school, my ease. Just seeing grandma passed how it impacted Amanda Rachel away from can- the whole family, cer, right before that was really Green Parker the Penn State hard. But I love dance marathon. being able to see So it was fun to THON and how watch the dance they care about marathon, and the entire family that’s when I and not just the chose to come to patient. Penn State.

We have our I thon for Noelle, children she’s Volé’s Logan, Matty Jenny Gabriela THON child. And and Megan. I I’ve grown really thon for them to close with the have those little West Laurentino family, and I’ve victories, and done a lot of realize they did things with them. beat cancer and Just becoming so it’s something closely related to that can’t stand the family is why in their way. I’m doing this.

I thon for Kayla. I danced with her my whole life. I thon so that So she was kind Taylor Lauren every kid can of an inspiration have the chance to me and she Novitsky Dempsey to be a kid, and passed away so every cub can my freshman year. And from grow up to be a that moment on, Nittany Lion. my goal was to dance in THON for her. I thon for the I had a close kids and their family friend was families. A close diagnosed with family friend had cancer when a child who did Wendy Leighann I was in high succumb to can- school. He unfor- cer, and that was Rich Rich tunately passed kind of going on a couple years when I was enter- ago. Dancing ing Penn State. in THON is just So I thon so no really big for my family has to go family and their through that. family.

Scan the QR code to watch the full Photos and videos video series at collegian.psu.edu by Jack R. Hirsh