There weren't any classes at St John Catholic High School in Perth Saturday, but the gymnasium was packed.
Hundreds of staff and students held up their smartphones as Hedley rocked out on stage. The Canadian pop-rock band transformed the school's gymnasium into a concert venue for a private set.
"It's amazing. I've never gone to a concert before so it's a once and a lifetime thing pretty much," said Connor Jackson.
The private concert was a grand prize as part of a Win a Hedley Concert in partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society. Schools across Canada, who raised more than $50,000 for the 2016 Relay for Life, were eligible to apply for big prize. Students at St John Catholic School found out the good news in mid-September.
"It's really exciting. It's really great. It's like a really great way to kick off our relay for life this year," said Maya, a student at the school.
Since its first Relay for Life event 15 years go, the small town high school has raised nearly $700,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society. Last year's Relay for Life event raised about $55,000 alone.
"Our school is very well known for it," said Sarah Noonan, a student leader at the school. "It's a huge part of our community and it's how we show our pride and it is something, obviously, that we are very proud of and love to do."
