Bethesda High School Leads Fundraising for Leukemia Fight

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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s High School Challenge has come to a close with 14 local high schools raising more than $165,000 in February and March, and a Bethesda school led the way.

The competition encouraged students to think outside the box to develop leadership and fundraising skills in support of the LLS mission: to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

For the third straight year, Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda received top honors bringing in a grand total of $67,523.51.Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School was fourth, raising $13,041.25.

The top school was rewarded with a pep rally on April 17 to commemorate their hard work. Students heard from members of LLS staff the affect the money will make to accelerate blood cancer research in the hopes of reaching a cure. Patient hero and leukemia survivor, Tyler DeMille, shared his personal thanks with students for fundraising in support of blood cancer cures. Additionally, in recognition of their achievements, Walt Whitman High School will be linked to an LLS research grant.

Walt Whitman High School’s Pennies For Patients student leader, Rachel Ordan, attributes the school’s success this year to their increased commitment to the mission as a community and keeping the ultimate goal in the forefront- making a difference in the lives of blood cancer patients.

“Building off of our success with LLS month the past two years, we really wanted to focus on the mission of LLS and why it is important to help. We had tremendous participation in our big events, and record breaking sales for our smaller ones. I’m very proud of all we were able to accomplish this year, as a class, a school, and a community. We have made a huge difference in the lives of many, and will continue to in the future. I’m humbled to be a part of such a philanthropic and engaged community, and I’m confident we put our best efforts towards finding a cure for blood cancers.”

Thanks to our partners at Pepco, a student at Walt Whitman High School will be awarded with a unique summer internship to sharpen his/her leadership skills displayed throughout the challenge. The internship will be completed at Pepco’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. over an eight-week period where the student will assist the Corporate Citizenship and Social Responsibility Department.

“Our organization continues to be amazed by the tremendous commitment these high school students show year after year,” said Jaclyn Toll, National Capital Area Chapter Deputy Executive Director. “These students prove that no matter what your age, it’s possible to make an impact in the fight against blood cancers. I continue to be inspired by this campaign and what our young philanthropists are able to achieve.”

To learn more about the 2015 High School Challenge and events, please visit our website.