Making a difference.

That is a theme that percolates among many high school students who want to make a meaningful contribution to their community.

For students at 脡cole Okanagan Mission Secondary, that desire has been invested in the organization of the school鈥檚 annual Relay for Life.

In the past three years of running Relay for Life, OKM has raised more than $100,000 to support cancer research and other initiatives seeking to find a cure for the disease.

Teachers have supported the students鈥� efforts, as has the Mission community.

This year, OKM is seeking to expand participation in the event to include Mount Boucherie Secondary and Rutland Senior Secondary, along with OKM鈥檚 feeder schools.

Nicole Fedkiw, an OKM teacher, and vice-principal Graham Johnson were joined by students Ayla Hiller, Sarah Kovacs and Adam Wasti in presenting the school鈥檚 plans to the Central Okanagan Board of Education last Wednesday (April 10) for this year鈥檚 event, slated for June 6.

Johnson said students have been the drivers behind Relay for Life becoming a hallmark event for the school, calling their efforts 鈥渁 silver lining鈥� in what is a tough thing for people to deal with, a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Trustee Julia Fraser said it warms her heart to see students and staff working together on this cause, one that hits close to home for her because cancer has touched her own family.

Kevin Kaardal, Central Okanagan Public Schools superintendent/CEO, called OKM鈥檚 Relay for Life an 鈥渋ncredible event.鈥�

鈥淲hat is really important is these students are really making a difference,鈥� Kaardal said.

READ MORE: David Suzuki: Planet on path to environmental catastrophe

READ MORE: Okanagan karate athletes earn medals at provincials