By Gauri Mangala
Staff Writer

National Honor Society’s blood drive for the Red Cross is returning on, Dec. 23. The blood drive has been held for over a decade and has met great success in the past two years with over 200 donors at each event.

NHS adviser, Kim Kelley is concerned about turn gathering participants since the blood drive takes place on the last day before break. “This is the last school day before break when many students will be leaving early for family vacations and, of course, rumors of the senior skip day,” Kelley said.

All students need parent permission to sign up and must be 16 or older to donate. Forms are available before school and during every lunch period from members. After signing up, the donor will be able to receive a donation time for the blood drive.

Any student that has a valid ID, school or driver’s license, should bring it on the day of the blood drive. Students and staff are strongly encouraged to drink plenty of water before their appointment.
Blood Drive T-shirts are available this year for purchase until Dec. 13. The cost is 10 dollars for short sleeve and 12 dollars for long sleeve. Sample T-shirts can be seen at any blood drive sign-up area.

“One person donating blood saves three lives,” junior Saje Breuer said.

Along with saving lives, the blood drive will help give scholarships to National Honor Society members. Depending on the number of donations given, the National Honor Society will be given funds. Kelley and co-adviser, Marisa Quaranta, will decide who in the National Honor Society will receive them.

Scholarships will range between $500 to $2,000 dollars, depending upon the number of donations given. Last year they received $1,500 in scholarship funding and three students were awarded $500 each.

“We provide the Red Cross with the students’ names and schools and they issue the check to them. These students are chosen based on the National Honor Society’s key attributes of scholarship, leadership and service,” Kelley explained.

“People should sign up because blood drives are a great way to help those in need. They shouldn’t be scared because it isn’t that painful and the reward is more lives being saved, which is awesome.” National Honor Society’s secretary, Brenna McGrath said.