Each year the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) nominates high school students around the country to participate in a seven-week “Student of the Year” fundraising event. The campaign is a competition to see who can raise the most money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Funds raised go to blood cancer research as well as to patient support and advocacy programs.

Compared to other blood cancer nonprofits, LLS is the largest funder of cutting-edge research to advance cures and has invested nearly $1.3 billion in research. Patients need help before, during, and after their diagnosis and treatment. LLS is the leading nonprofit that does just that. Through a nationwide grassroots network of more than 100,000 volunteers, the LLS advocates for policies at the state and federal levels in a commitment to removing barriers to care for cancer patients. 

This year, three Academy of the Sacred Heart students, Sarah Roth, Lauren Wiltz, and 

Isabel Landry (Sarah and Lauren being River Ranch residents), were nominated to participate in the campaign. When asked to participate, each reflected on the fact that they were personally imbued with a commitment to serve others and that raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society was an excellent opportunity to do just that. In an effort to reach their lofty fundraising goals, the girls enlisted a group of peers from their and other area high schools to help. The team included Lily Chandler, Isabelle Calais, Emmylou Falgout, Anna Gachassin, Millie Gros, Lillith McConnell, Blaire Morrow, Annelise Stubbs, and Anna Wiltz. Through a letter campaign, through several fundraising events which were planned and executed by the team, and through meetings with various businesses and business owners to solicit donations, they were able to raise _____.

Collectively reflecting on why they participated in this event, they commented, “So many people right here in our own community have been affected by these cancers or have had family members or friends who were. We hope that one day with enough research, there will be a cure.”

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to have been nominated for the 2022 class of the Students of the Year Leukemia and Lymphoma Society campaign. LLS has taught me so many valuable lessons and skills, such as team building, leadership, and even public speaking. Most importantly, I have been given the opportunity to exemplify a social awareness that impels action through this campaign. My school, the Academy of the Sacred Heart, not only educates its students academically, but also morally through the five goals of a Sacred Heart education: faith, academics, service, community building, and personal growth. Goal three, helping those in need, has always been close to my heart, as my school consistently encourages service to others. Through LLS, I have been able to take action and help my community, which is the biggest accomplishment and goal of this campaign." — Sarah Roth

"Throughout these past weeks, I've learned that I am more capable than I originally thought, and I saw the generosity of our Lafayette community in supporting such a wonderful cause. I have grown as a person with the knowledge now of how to communicate with large companies and the confidence to advocate for a cause larger than myself. I've seen how awestruck people can be by the work we are doing. And on top of that, I’ve seen that when people are struggling with issues unseen by others, they are touched by the work we have done. More than anything, I have been greatly inspired by the opportunities placed before me and the good we have been given to do." — Isabel Landry


"To me, LLS has been an experience that has given me the opportunity to give back to my community. The Student of the Year campaign has taught me that life is not fulfilled by just helping yourself. The chance to help others, even strangers, is irreplaceable and something I will keep with me forever." — Lauren Wiltz