Standout Spartans: Emerson Pollicino '26 and Laney Vanderbeck '26

In March, Emerson Pollicino ’26 and Laney Vanderbeck ’26 teamed up to raise money for Blood Cancer United (BCU), a global leader in blood cancer research and advocacy. As BCU student visionaries, they led 12 of their Steward peers in a seven-week fundraiser to benefit the non-profit.   

Both girls were inspired to serve as student visionaries after participating last year as team members. “When I saw the impact we made last year, I knew I wanted to step up and lead a team,” noted Laney. 

Emerson and Laney met with their classmates frequently to discuss fundraising strategies, create a contact list, organize email blasts, and reach out to large corporations for sponsorships and publicity. As leaders, they also participated in weekly meetings with a BCU staff member to set goals and discuss how to motivate their team members. In all, the team led by Emerson and Laney raised $5,025!

To cap off the seven-week fundraiser, Emerson and Laney were invited to attend a Grand Finale Gala at the Richmond Omni Richmond Hotel. The event included dinner, an auction, and invited speakers, including a BCU honored hero who spoke about her experience as a blood-cancer patient and survivor. 

“The money we raised was not the most rewarding part of this project for me; instead, it was being able to see the lives we touched by our work,” said Laney.  “By getting to meet this year's honored hero, I felt how meaningful it was for us to fundraise for this cause.” 

Emerson shared, “During the grand finale, hearing all the stories about people who have been affected by blood cancer was very emotional. It reminded everyone in that room just how amazing our efforts were. Giving back to the community is incredibly meaningful.” 

Both girls also share their time and energy as volunteers at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. At Steward, Laney serves as copy editor of Steward Ink and secretary of the National Honor Society, and she is a captain of the varsity field hockey team. She’s also a member of the National Art Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, Model UN, and the Admissions Ambassador team. Emerson served as captain of the varsity field hockey team in the fall and is currently a captain of the varsity girls lacrosse team. In addition, she is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Art Honors Society. 

Congratulations, Emerson and Laney, on a job well done. We are so proud of you!