No, Bella Lugosi isn’t making a comeback. And no, FHS students shouldn’t invest in crosses or garlic. But FHS students know what’s at “stake”when it come to the FHS blood drive The annual blood drive sponsored by the Student Counsel, in cooperation with the local Red Cross, took place on Tuesday and Wednesday. It dates back to 1994. The blood drive became a two-day event last year to accommodate the increasing numbers of students willing to donate. “The blood that’s gathered (at FHS) is tested in Portland, but is shipped back to supply local hospitals,” said Debbie Chuey of the Red Cross. “Since we can’t synthesize blood, the local hospitals rely on the community to supply their blood needs,” said Chuey. “All the blood that is donated will help people who desperately need it.” FHS students had other reasons for donating blood. “Someday I might need (blood),” said senior Scott Clark. “I’d definitely want some to be available.” “I get out of class and I get to help people at the same time,” said junior Mike Palchak. “What a deal.” “One of the reasons why this blood drive was so successful was because of the local businesses who donated food,” said junior Katie Seabaugh. “The student counsel would like to thank Costco, Subway, Blimpie’s, Big League Bagels, and all the businesses who helped out.” One of the blood drives biggest proponents is math teacher Jack Bradford. Bradford offers students in his classes a “A” on the test of their choice if they donate blood. “We need more people to give (blood),” said Bradford. “This is strong encouragement to get people to donate who otherwise might not consider it. My hope is that they’ll become regular donors. Donating blood doesn’t cost anything and they feed you too.” Is Bradford’s method effective? 76 percent of the students in his consumer math classes donated blood. “I would have donated anyway,” said senior Ryan Moore. “It’s refreshing,” said senior Mark Roberts. “It makes me feel good to know that I’m helping someone else.” |
