Students of the Year is a seven (7) week fundraising initiative where High School students raise funds to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Candidates and their teams will raise money in honor of a patient hero who is currently battling or is in remission from a blood cancer. The candidate who raises the most money and best integrates the three character qualities this campaign is built on (Leadership, Community and Mission) earns a $2,500 scholarship. They will also receive a $2,500 grant for their high school science department.  An additional three students will be selected to receive one of three Citizenship Awards. The candidates who best exemplify commitment to Community, Leadership and the Mission will each receive a $500 scholarship. Each student who meets the minimum fundraising goal ($5,000) will also receive awards of recognition.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services.  Our mission:  To cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life for our patients and their families.  Over 78% of every dollar donated to LLS is dedicated to research, patient services, education and advocacy.  Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested more than $875 million in research to advance therapies and to save lives. 

Students of the Year candidates are local High School students enrolled in public or private schools within the Kansas City Area who are interested in and enthusiastic about volunteerism, philanthropy, community outreach, and leadership. The Students of the Year Campaign will afford the candidates an opportunity to garner visibility in their community and in the media, along with a tremendous platform to embrace and publicize for collegiate and professional ambitions and endeavors. 

Students rally their communities, schools and families to support their fundraising efforts.  Along with their own websites, students will work with LLS staff to set a fundraising goal and to develop an action plan to reach that goal.  We will provide fundraising materials and support throughout the campaign.  The easiest ways to fundraise are through a letter writing/email campaign and social networking; however, each candidate and their team will brainstorm with LLS to determine a plan for success that could include sponsorship, table sales, program ad sales and events.