WOODBURY – A sea of red covers the Nonnewaug High School gymnasium, the sound of students’ exhilarating cheers echoes throughout as the spoon is waved proudly in the air, and the sense of community coming together – the scene represents a sacred tradition that has been held in Nonnewaug for years. 

“Everybody riles around the red out, but the color red is selective to support LLS,” says pride in the tribe enthusiast and social studies teacher Kyle Brennan.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), now named Blood Cancer United, is an organization that recruits student-led teams from schools nationwide for a seven-week fundraising challenge to compete against each other for raising the most money towards blood cancer research, treatment, and advocacy. 

While important, the annual red out is just one of the several fundraising events students hold to raise money. 

“Student Visionaries is much more than a seven-week fundraising competition,” said this year’s Campaign Development Manager Paige Carroll. “Each of our students has a unique skillset that they are looking to expand from public speaking, confidence, professionalism, to learning a proper handshake.”

Our Tribe, Our Fight 

For such an imperative campaign, it began closer to Nonnewaug’s heart than one might expect.

Tricia Marino, a former Nonnewaug teacher, experienced a personal connection to the life-altering disease, when her daughter was diagnosed with leukemia as a child. In 2020, Marino brought awareness to the LLS campaign at NHS to help support fundraising efforts in support of her daughter. 

“Whenever the origin of something can be so personal, you get a lot of people who want to buy in right away and it helps breed into tradition,”said Brennan.

Every year since then, Nonnewaug administration selects an esteemed group of juniors to lead the team and continue this cherished tradition. 

Last year, Nonnewaug’s team leaders – now-seniors – were Billy Herr, and Brayden Whipple. The duo’s philanthropic efforts resonated deeply with them. 

“I wanted to lead LLS because my mom’s side of the family has been affected by family and friends who had to go through battles with blood cancer themselves,” said Whipple.

Herr wanted to help a smooth process of recovery for other patients in the future.

“I was motivated to join the LLS campaign after my aunt had been diagnosed with cancer and passed away,” Herr said. “I wanted to make an impact and help raise funds for research so others didn’t have to go through what she did.”

2025 Student Visionaries of the Year in Greater Connecticut

Last year’s Blood Cancer United team led by Herr and Whipple raised a total of $58,107.25 which was more than successful, surpassing their fundraising goal of $25,000 significantly. 

Through great success, Whipple stresses that this achievement was the product of the diligent work of the team during the process of running the project.

“Our campaign was very organized around the idea of ‘community ask’ by reaching out whether it be family, friends, classmates, or even just members of our towns, and asking for their support towards our cause,” Whipple said. 

The success of the Cancer Crusaders has given Nonnewaug a title to remember: Student Visionaries of the Year. 

“We have been one of the most successful schools in fundraising for LLS in the whole state,” Brennan said.

The team put forth an achievement like none other. 

“The first reaction that washed over me after receiving the news that we indeed did win, was a sense of both accomplishment and pride,” said Whipple. “Our team worked very hard both leading up to the campaign and especially during the campaign, and it was satisfying to know that not only did we take home first place but that we did so while raising money for an amazing cause.” 

Over the years students of Nonnewaug have become more zealous to Blood Cancer United related events. 

“It’s really cool to see the whole school turn up for the red out game,” said sophomore Bryce Gilbert, who is shadowing this year’s team. “I think it’s a testament to Nonnewaug’s spirit.” 

The enthusiasm produced through the Blood Cancer United campaign upholds great value. 

“The red out and spirit week are always so fun to be a part of,” said junior Max Nichols, a member of the 2025 Nonnewaug Blood Cancer United team. “I love all the fun activities that we do and how we all come together as a community to rally for this one cause. It is very motivational.”

In the heart of winter there are many schedule challenges that come with spearheading such a big task.

“I was balancing a hard workload while in the prime of basketball season,” Herr said.

In the end, the time and energy that was put into this campaign was all worth it in the end.

“Being part of this campaign is a great thing on its own, but to work so closely with your classmates and friends makes it all the better,” Whipple said.

Cancer Crusaders Carry On Legacy 

As a new school year rolls around a new team of juniors enter the Blood Cancer United campaign; many were inspired to become a member of a campaign so well-known in the towns of Woodbury and Bethlehem. 

“I was inspired to join the Blood Cancer United campaign after seeing the outstanding impact that Brayden and Billy had on the fundraiser,” Nichols said. “I wanted to continue making a difference in this year’s campaign.”

The Crusaders hope for a successful campaign, hopefully carrying on the legacy Whipple and Herr worked so hard to achieve. 

“I am excited about the opportunity we have all been given and I am excited to work together with such a bright group of people to help out with such a good and impactful cause,” said Luke Lodice, a junior member of the 2026 Blood Cancer United team. “I hope to raise the most money out of any team in the state to extend Nonnewaug High School’s legacy as back to back winners of this campaign.”

Carroll is optimistic for this year’s team, anticipating reaching goals to make a positive impact. 

“I strive for all of my teams to set goals that they will be proud of and challenged, regardless of title.” Carroll said. “In 2026, I anticipate the Cancer Crusaders to set high-impact goals and embrace a challenge to not only help their community and bring us closer to a cure but develop key leadership skills throughout their journey.” 

While the leaves are just beginning to fall, The Nonnewaug Crusaders’ preparation for the campaign begins to fall into place. 

“All of our teams regardless of dollar amount have the opportunity to make an incredible impact within their communities by providing patient support and resources as well as a community rallying behind their strength and resilience,” Carroll said. 

With such success last year, the new Cancer Crusaders understand the magnitude of the event. 

“Considering how well Nonnewaug did last year there are some standards to live up to,” Gilbert said. “In the end it will motivate us to perpetuate that legacy.”

Ultimately, the Blood Cancer United campaign is a valuable way for Nonnewaug students to grow as leaders while making a difference in the world. 

“I am incredibly excited to witness the growth of our students and campaign this upcoming year,” said Carroll, “and can already see the students blossoming.”