Edmund Burke and Burke County High Students Lead Blood Cancer Campaign

Stronger Together team aims to raise awareness and funds in final weeks of drive

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Students from Edmund Burke Academy and Burke County High School have joined forces this year to lead a campaign to fight blood cancer. BCHS junior Dailey Blanchard and EBA junior Carly Johnson are spearheading the Stronger Together effort as the 2026 Student Visionaries of the Year.

Why it matters

The partnership between the two local high schools to raise awareness and funds for blood cancer research and support services demonstrates the power of community collaboration, especially among young leaders, to make a meaningful impact on important public health issues.

The details

The Stronger Together campaign has been underway for several months, with the student leaders organizing fundraising events, blood drives, and educational initiatives to engage their peers and the broader Waynesboro community. Their efforts have garnered strong support from local residents and businesses.

  • The Stronger Together campaign launched in early 2026.
  • The students are in the final weeks of the campaign.

The players

Dailey Blanchard

A junior at Burke County High School and one of the student leaders of the Stronger Together campaign.

Carly Johnson

A junior at Edmund Burke Academy and one of the student leaders of the Stronger Together campaign.

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What they’re saying

“We're so grateful for the way our community has rallied behind this cause. It's been incredible to see students, teachers, and local businesses all come together to support the fight against blood cancer.”

— Dailey Blanchard, BCHS Junior (The True Citizen)

“Carly and I are honored to be named the Student Visionaries of the Year. But this campaign is really a testament to the power of teamwork and the generosity of our community.”

— Dailey Blanchard, BCHS Junior (The True Citizen)

What’s next

The Stronger Together campaign will culminate with a community blood drive and fundraising gala in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The collaboration between Edmund Burke Academy and Burke County High School students to lead a impactful blood cancer awareness and fundraising campaign demonstrates the positive change that can happen when young leaders work together with the support of their local community.