Brotherly Love: Royersford Students Band Together

By Susan Barnett

ROYERSFORD, Pa. (CBS) -- This is a pep rally with a purpose. Hundreds of student from the Spring-Ford 8th Grade Center in Royersford hit the track on a warm Friday afternoon to walk on behalf of two causes: Susan G. Komen for the Cure; and suicide prevention and awareness. It's a subject that hits close to home after two students died of suicide in the last several months.

"I felt like something needed to be done about this, and, like, we couldn't just ignore the situation," said 8th grader Sarah Flenders.

Dozens of students came up with this day filled with fun. Students raised money for permission to play games like football, whiffleball, and wheelbarrow races.

Many wore yellow T-shirts that said "Life Infinity. It encourages people to keep going on. And it has a quote in the back, too, by Dr. Seuss," said Flenders.

The day was fueled by water ice, pretzel sales, and pie. Principal Michael Siggins explained, "There's gonna be some pies in the face taking place around 2:15. We had about eleven teachers being willing to volunteer themselves to get pie in the face. We had a number of students volunteer to do that as well."

"Honestly it feels amazing," said 8th grade student Kaylinn Cecchini. "I'm so happy we were able to make such a difference and raise so much money."

The students raised more than $12,000 for their causes and at least as many smiles.