Cape High student Autumn Davis was named the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2019 Student of the Year for Southern Delaware, raising more than $40,000 for the organization in just seven weeks.

Autumn, of Lewes, said she was nominated to participate in the society’s fundraising efforts by a girl she met at summer camp.

“She’s from northern Delaware, and she won it last year,” said Autumn, who noted the nomination was a surprise. “I didn’t know how big an undertaking it was.”

Autumn said her work turned personal over the winter when her aunt was diagnosed with leukemia.

“That gave my campaign more significance,” Autumn said. “It made it more real.”

To raise funds, Autumn sought individual and business donations and held a fundraising event at Shell We Bounce. She also held a party with donated food and drinks; attendees paid for admission and bought raffle tickets.

“That was my biggest event,” she said. “It brought in $7,000.”

As next year’s Honor Society president, Autumn plans to involve more Cape students in volunteer and fundraising efforts for the society.