Over 500 students paraded around Hedke Elementary School Thursday afternoon for the 3rd annual walk-a-thon, where students raised over $12,000 for the school's Parent Teacher Organization.

Students in grades kindergarten through fifth raised funds by finding friends, family members and teachers to sponsor their up to 45-minute walk around the school.

The PTO purchased different color t-shirts for students in each grade to make the day more festive and to keep track of the students participating in the event.

Teachers and aids wore tie-dye t-shirts and guided the students around the building, while leading them in song.