The sound of honking horns and children's shrills could only mean one thing: St. John Neumann Regional School's Walkathon was in full swing.

The raw emotion that echoed throughout downtown Palmerton Friday morning as part of their excursion typified why the annual event ranks among the favorites for students.Students from both of the school's campuses - Palmerton and Slatington - participated in the event, whose theme this year was Super Science for Super Kids.Grades K-3 followed a path around the borough park, while grades 4-8 followed a route through and around the town.The day got underway with mass at Sacred Heart Church in Palmerton. From there, the students then assembled in the gym of the school's Palmerton campus for warm-up exercises prior to the event.Then came the actual walk itself, which generated plenty of interest from motorists who acknowledged the students as they passed by.It's a fun day," said Natalie Matsko, a third-grade student. "It's to hang out with friends."Fellow third-grader Tommy Zukowski didn't hide his excitement, either."Everybody gets their exercise, it allows us to have fun, and to get sponsors so we can save up money to keep our school open," Zukowski said. "I think everybody should join our school because everybody will have fun.""It's the best walkathon ever," said third-grader Madison Martinez. "Everyone has fun."Lisa Edgar, an event coordinator, said the day not only bodes well for the students, but also enables them to show their appreciation toward those who support the cause."It's a great day for the kids," Edgar said. "They show their support for the sponsors."After lunch, the students heard a presentation in conjunction with the theme of the event.The event is the Homeschool Association's major fundraiser of the year.