CHESTERTOWN, MD—The Washington College Relay for Life fundraising program has been recognized by the American Cancer Society (ACS) as one of its top five per-capita youth events in the nation. On October 15, ACS representative Julia Foxwell presented student Relay leaders Emily Evans and Monica Benitez and faculty advisor Mindy Reynolds with an award plaque and praised “the amazing group” for raising more than $50,000 through 2014 Relay events.

Washington College was third among the top five schools with fewer than 2,500 students, raising $35.50 per student and trailing only Nebraska’s Doane College ($60 per student) and Indiana’s Putnam County ($35.95). The other two top-five schools in the same size category were Kenyon College ($34.91) and Elon University ($33.55). By comparison, the most financially successful school in the country for overall funds raised was the University of Michigan, which raised $8 per student.

Foxwell, Relay for Life specialist for the South Atlantic Division of the ACS, said that making the top five is an especially impressive accomplishment considering the relative newness of the event at Washington College and the presence of another, community-based Relay for Life event in Kent County every year. “For this community [the College and county combined] to raise close to $90,000 in one year is an incredible achievement,” she said.

Foxwell singled out Evans, the senior who chaired the 2014 Relay effort, for extra praise. Despite her duties as Relay chair, in charge of logistics and organization, Evans still personally raised $2,900, making her the top individual fundraiser for the event. Foxwell also thanked Dining Services Director Zena Maggitti, who answered every request for special food-related events, no matter how last minute, with, “No problem.”

Faculty advisor Mindy Reynolds, the chair of the biology department, says that since students began Relay for Life at Washington College in 2011, the event has raised $202,329 for cancer treatment and research. “I have enjoyed every moment of working with the students on Relay since it began,” she said. “They should be so proud of the money they have raised for such a great cause.”

“Relay is one of the best examples of the good work our students have done and continue to do,” added Sarah Feyerherm, associate vice president for student affairs at the College. “And this is well-deserved recognition!”

From left, ACS representative Julia Foxwell, Emily Evans’15, Monica Benitez ’16, and faculty advisor Mindy Reynolds.