Panther Valley Middle School walked in support of the Relay for Life on Friday.

Sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students began raising money for the event on March 5 with the goal of raising $3,500.Homerooms took part in "penny wars," and students were asked to bring in five sponsors, each just one dollar.Incentives for raising money included a certificate for the highest amount collected, as well as the opportunity for students to throw a pie in the faces of a few lucky administrators.The goal amount is increased each year, and Lisa Mace, middle school principal, said that this year was difficult because of snow days.However, the district as a whole raised $10,000."We're proud of how well our kids do every year to fundraise," Kathy Inama said on behalf of the administration. "The district couldn't do this without the support of the students and their families."Each homeroom participated in the walk, dressed according to the theme they chose.Among the themes were "Kick Cancer Through the Goalpost," where students wore football jerseys, and "Be a Hero to Put Cancer Away" where students dressed as superheroes, including firefighters and doctors.Students wrote down the names of those they knew fighting cancer, and the names were announced during the walk.In honor of those struggling with cancer, eighth-grader Sydney Clouser said, "Never give up. Always keep fighting."