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South Aiken High Student Benjamin Porcha–Konjikusic was recognized by the Aiken County Board of Education during the May 25, 2021 School Board Meeting for his involvement with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) local Leadership Team was on the search for high school students in the CSRA who proved to be top leaders in their community to participate in the Nation-wide LLS Students of the Year campaign. This seven-week philanthropic leadership development program allows high school students to work with LLS employees to create a business plan, advertise their fundraising efforts, solicit commitments for donations from local businesses, and to secure donations that support the LLS’ lifesaving mission of finding a cure for blood cancers and improving the quality of life for patients and their families.

Twenty-seven students were selected to comprise 13 teams between Aiken, Richmond, and Columbia Counties. The sole team from Aiken County was made up of Benjamin Porcha–Konjikusic and Aiken High School student J. Strom Thurmond who paired up to create “Team Cancer to the Curb” and diligently solicited the community for support by writing letters, sending emails, and having face to face discussions with local business owners, their neighbors, family and friends.

This year, between the 13 teams more than $354,000 was raised in just seven weeks! We are excited to announce that Team Cancer to the Curb is a top fundraising team, bringing in $32,065.00 to help support LLS’ cause!

Congratulations to Benjamin and J. Strom on a tremendous job!