On Friday, April 25th the entire student body of John T. Magee Middle School participated in a Mini Relay to support Relay for Life. A student organization “Tied to Awareness” sponsored this event which included four laps around the school and surrounding property. This year’s event raised $600 by selling candy grams, sponsoring a hat day and selling bracelets that said “Hope for a Cure.”

The “Tied to Awareness” organization began three years ago when a student approached JTMMS teacher, Michelle Hill, about wanting to make a difference in honoring those who she had lost to cancer and to help make others aware of the disease. Last year, another student spoke to Mrs. Hill about organizing the Mini Relay. Students decorated a luminaria bag that was placed in the middle of the gym floor in the shape of a ribbon. This activity represents the cause by remembering, honoring and creating a special message on the bag. Inspirational messages from the students included “hope, find a cure, you can beat cancer, fight back and stay strong”. These luminaria bags will be placed at the Relay for Life event that will be held at Round Lake High School July 19-20, 2014. Community members interested in participating in the July 19-20 event can access www.relayforlife.org for additional information.