Student Visionaries of the Year
Visionaries look to the future—and see infinite possibility.
They challenge the status quo—and make the impossible possible.
They boldly imagine a better world – and lead the charge to create it.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) was built on that same vision - of a better world - one without blood cancers. Through our Student Visionaries of the Year campaign, we are excited to recognize these young leaders for being what we need most, visionaries.
Student Visionaries of the Year is a philanthropic leadership development program through which highly motivated, high-school leaders embark on a journey of professional growth, fostering professional skills such as entrepreneurship, marketing, and project management all while working to raise as much as possible for LLS’s mission.
These tenacious young changemakers fundraise for LLS in honor of blood cancer survivors. The titles Student Visionaries of the Year are awarded to the candidate teams who raise the most funds in their community during the 7-week competition.
2024 Northeast Indiana Student Visionaries of the Year Winners
Visionary of the Year Winner: The Dream Team, a co-candidate team with Bryson Leffers from Homestead High School, Carmella Gabriel from Homestead High School, and Anthony Gabriel from Bishop Luers High School. These students had a remarkable campaign driven by their passion for patient advocacy.
Runner-Up: Team Our Story, a co-candidate team with Evelyn Stoy and Jed Mortorff, both from Angola High School. An impactful campaign driven by their passion for increasing patient support.
Team Member of the Year Winner: John Baker from Wisconsin, The Dream Team
Research Pillar Winner: Shamyant Boda of Homestead High School, Team Cancer Crushers
Patient Education and Support Pillar Winner: Abbye Williams, Jana Beier & JJ Kokonaing of Carroll High School, Team Keep the Hope
Policy and Advocacy Pillar Winner: Bryson Leffers & Carmella Gabriel of Homestead High School and Anthony Gabriel of Bishop Luers High School, The Dream Team
Donate to a Student Visionaries of the Year Candidate
Meet the Candidates
Staff Contacts
Miles Shepler, Campaign Development Manager
miles.shepler@lls.org
260-440-6634
Patti O'Neal, Campaign Development Director
patti.oneal@lls.org
Robin Springstead, Campaign Development Specialist
robin.springstead@lls.org