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 CLEVELAND STUDENT VISIONARIES OF THE YEAR
In 2024, 37 motivated candidate teams and their 550+ dedicated team members raised an astounding $1,053,209 in just 7 WEEKS through fundraising for LLS' cutting-edge blood cancer research and patient services. CONGRATULATIONS to our 2024 Cleveland Student Visionaries of the Year participants on such an incredible impact!
A SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO OUR WINNERS:
First-Place Winners: Team Compass led by Gabriella Gawlik, Kayla Kosla, & Ella Rundo.
1st Runner-Up: Team River for a Cure led by Keira Kishna, Monika Neiberka, & Kaltra Tola.
2nd Runner-Up: Team Brunswick for a Brighter Future led by Sebastian Morales, Teddy Bickley, & Maggie Romano.
Team Member of the Year: Ryan Walther, Team Ignite Hope.
Mission Pillar Award Winners:
⭐ Research Award: Maggie Romano
⭐ Patient Education & Support: Kaovya Vel
⭐ Policy & Advocacy: Luke Burke
WANT TO SEE WHAT THE CLEVELAND 2024 STUDENT VISIONARIES OF THE YEAR GRAND FINALE WAS LIKE? CLICK THE VIDEO BELOW!
CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN TO ALL OF OUR 2024 CLEVELAND STUDENT VISIONARIES OF THE YEAR CANDIDATES & TEAM MEMBERS!
We are currently recruiting for our 2025 Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign - if you know an amazing high school leader looking to make a difference, please nominate them today!
Donate to a Student Visionaries of the Year Candidate
Meet the Candidates
Please note that this is a ticketed event.
Staff Contacts
Daryl Rakosy - Campaign Development Director
daryl.rakosy@lls.org | (216) 264-5726
Savannah Drdek - Campaign Development Manager
savannah.drdek@lls.org | (216) 264-5723
Tiffany Ziegler - Campaign Development Manager
tiffany.ziegler@lls.org | (216) 264-5738
Hanna Dilik - Campaign Development Specialist
hanna.dilik@lls.org | (216) 264-5748