Our School

Kiara Byrnes ’25 is following in the footsteps of her sister, Raeanna ’23. She, along with classmate Chanel Debicki ’25 continued Raeanna’s philanthropic efforts for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Recently, they ran a fundraising campaign as part of LLS’s 2023 Student Visionaries of the Year program.

Director of Counseling, Jodie LaCava McGarrity ’93 nominated Kiara and Chanel into the Student Visionaries program. “Both students were immediately on board for this project. No questions asked. I’m always surprised of the generosity of our students.”

Kiara and Chanel organized a Red-Out Dress Down at Holy Cross High School. For $5.00, students and faculty could dress down in red in recognition of those who have lived with or suffered from leukemia and lymphoma. Approximately $2,000 was raised through this campaign.

“Monies raised will go toward patient support at LLS.” said Kiara. “Most families have a lot of bills to pay off. We want to support them. We had such a great response from the student body. Many of them told me that they had family members who suffered from leukemia or lymphoma.”

“I have participated in fundraisers for different causes since I was six,” said Chanel. “In the past, I have supported animal shelters because my parents love dogs. I like fundraising because I am able to help other people.”

“This experience helped me learn how to be a leader,” said Kiara. “It takes hard work, time management, organization, patience and dedication. It takes a lot of work, but it is worth it in the end.”

Kiara and Chanel will spend the rest of March participating in LLS’s auction. They plan on going to businesses to ask for items. The auction will be held on March 24th in Farmington.

View photos from the Red-Out Dress Down Day.