Panther Valley students want to help find a cure for cancer.

On Friday, the middle school held its annual mini Relay for Life. Students from each grade walked an hour to raise awareness about cancer.Each student was asked to obtain $5 through sponsors for the event. Approximately 450 students walked.Lisa Mace, middle school principal, said the event was being held districtwide but on different levels."We do this as a way to give back to the community," she said, thanking school nurse Kathy Inama for organizing the event. "Cancer touches everyone, so we wanted to teach the students the importance of supporting causes."She said the money raised through the mini relay is collected and then donated in June during the Tamaqua area Relay for Life.While the students were walking, DJ Kim Laird read off names of people who have been affected by cancer.Mace said that by doing this, it showed the students that everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by cancer.Homerooms also made themes for the day and students made a banner, and some even dressed up in honor of their theme.