Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, Maryland, for the fourth year in a row has received top honors in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Student Series High School Challenge program (Pennies For Patients) — bringing in a total of $52,593.29. In recognition of its achievements, Walt Whitman High School will be linked to an LLS research portfolio.

"Our community has personally been affected by cancer many times, and it fills me with hope to think that through the research we are funding, no more people will be added to the list," says student leader and LLS volunteerism award winner Carolyn Hoover. "Whitman will always believe in LLS and support their mission to find cures."

During LLS month, Whitman organizes a series of fundraising events that appeal to the entire school community. Two of the most popular events are bRAVE and Whitman Idol. bRAVE is an annual dance-a-thon that features student DJs. Whitman Idol is the school's spin on “American Idol” with student performances and teacher judges. Organizing so many successful events takes a lot of coordination and planning. It's far from an easy task, but the result is worth it. The reward of raising so much money that can help so many people is the reason they continue to put in so much hard work year after year for LLS. 

Ms. Sheryl Freedman, teacher of Walt Whitman’s Leadership Class, has supported the campaign for several years, this year being her last. Her dedication to the LLS mission has enabled her to engage her student groups year after year to ensure they stay involved and spread awareness throughout Walt Whitman and their community. This year’s funds brings the overall total Walt Whitman has raised to $374,190 making them the 3rd highest fundraising high school for the program nationwide and the top fundraising high school at the National Capital Area Chapter this year.