Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) is now accepting applications for Student Visionaries of the Year, a leadership development program for high school students in the region.

Students who take part spend seven weeks building skills like entrepreneurship, marketing and project management, all while leading a fundraising campaign in honor of a blood cancer patient or survivor from the area. Students may apply individually or as a team of two or three with classmates or friends.

The “Honored Hero” for 2026 is Sydney Walker, a 5-year-old from Twin City. Walker is currently being treated for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) at Memorial Health Children's Hospital in Savannah.

Students who take part in the Visionaries program will fundraise on behalf of Walker.

“Given how close to home Sydney’s story is, we'd love to see some Bulloch County students step up to represent her,” said Sarah Tigue, campaign development manager for the leadership development program.

Beyond the leadership experience, candidates are eligible for scholarship opportunities, including a Mission Award Scholarship tied to the mission area they represent, plus a top scholarship for the individual or team that raises the most funds.

“It's also a strong addition to a college application and will help fulfill community service hour requirements for graduating seniors,” Tigue said.

Last year, area students raised $330,000 in seven weeks, with more than 180 high schoolers around Southeast Georgia taking part.

Interested students can learn more or apply at studentvisionaries.bloodcancerunited.org, or contact Tigue at Sarah.Tigue@bloodcancerunited.org with any questions.