Annville-Cleona High School students will take part in a 12-hour overnight mini-marathon this weekend to benefit the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children's Hospital at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

The event, organized by the high school's Four Diamonds committee, will be held from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday.

In its 15th year, nearly 285 high school students will participate in the mini-thon event, according to a news release. More than 60 parents, teachers, administrators and alumni will chaperone the event.

A special presentation will begin at 8 p.m. Friday at the high school featuring several families who benefit from the organization, according to a news release. Fifteen students and staff members will also have their hair cut for Locks of Love. In addition, nearly 20 local businesses will be recognized for their support of the event.

Last year, students raised $57,300, bringing the school's cumulative total to $400,000, the release states.

This year, Annville-Cleona teachers offered more than 15 challenges to students to raise more money, including jumping out of an airplane, hosting the school news in costumes picked by the students and shaving off their hair.

This year's theme is based on the movie "The Hunger Games," with the motto: "May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor."

A Mr. Dutchman Pageant will be held Friday night, with 12 high school boys participating as "tributes," one from each district from the movie. The winner will be named Saturday morning.

The community can attend the event from 7-11 p.m. Friday and see students participate in a line dance performed every hour, a talent show and a luminary walk of remembrance honoring those who have battled or lost their fight against cancer.

The Four Diamonds Fund assists children treated at Penn State Children's Hospital and their families through care, support and research. For more information, visit acschools.org/thon.

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Annville-Cleona mini-thon to benefit Four Diamonds Fund