Students from Walter Johnson High School celebrated their successful fundraising campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's National Capital Area Chapter with a pep rally April 13. The school was named the top fundrasier of 14 county schools this year after collecting more than $58,000 to benefit the LLS Pennies for Patients program.

WJ students have taken the lead seven years in a row— their total topping $170,000. This year, Walt Whitman High School ranked in second place.

"We are all very proud of our students and the wonderful way the come together for such a great cause each year," Principal Jennifer Baker told Patch last month. "We have a remarkable community that really wants to make a difference. Our students are to be commended for their efforts to help others."

The pep rally was lead by Hot 99.5 DJ Toby Knapp and featured remarks from Jonathan Faure, a 17-year-old leukemia survivor, and Gabrielle Urquhart, LLS National Capital Area Chapter executive director. The event also featured a check presentation.