Three Chelsea High School students are seeking the title of “Student of the Year,” but the requirement for earning this distinction may not be what you would think.

Instead of basing the recognition on schoolwork, or even accomplishment in extracurricular activities, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society each year bestows the Student of the Year title on the students who can collect the most money as a donation for cancer research.

And Elliot Gage, Sarah Hyde and Katie Nail know their motivation for participating in what is sure to be a grueling competition.

The students were inspired by the story of Kenna Parramore, who at age 2 was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia—a type of cancer with a survival rate of only 40 percent.

“She’s now 7 and in her fifth year of remission, and in the first grade at Pelham Ridge Elementary School,” Hyde said during a presentation at the Chelsea City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 8. “Kelli Parramore (Kenna’s mother) was our 10th grade English teacher and Peer Helpers sponsor. We all got very close with Ms. Parramore. When she told us Kenna’s story, it broke all of our hearts.

“We knew we wanted to do everything we could to help children like her.”

The students formed Kenna’s Warriors to raise money for LLS through the Students of the Year competition, a seven-week philanthropic leadership development program that offers a $2,500 scholarship for the top donor.

Each dollar raised equals one “vote,” with the candidate or co-candidates in each community being named “Students of the Year.” Any support residents can give these students in their effort would be worthwhile.

The competition began Friday, Jan. 18, marking the first day donations could be accepted, and will last into March.

Their goal is $50,000 for a research grant and assisting patients with their co-pay.

Local restaurants are helping with the effort by contributing a portion of sales on select nights to the cause. See the Kenna’s Warriors entry in the calendar of events on page 16B for details on upcoming spirit nights.

For more information, visit StudentsoftheYear.org and email Kenna’s Warriors at kennaswarriors@gmail.com.

Stephen Dawkins is a staff writer for the Shelby County Reporter. He can be reached at 669-3131 ext. 524 or by email at stephen.dawkins@shelbycountyreporter.com.