Mar. 18	NFA College Planning Workshop
Mar. 25	NFA Percussion and Keyboard Ensemble Concert
Mar. 29 – 4/5	Spring Recess – No School
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     This winter season Newburgh Free Academy students hosted a special blood drive to support critical medical conditions by using ALYX Machines that specifically collect red blood cells. Red blood cell transfusions are used for critical medical conditions which include trauma patients, and people undergoing heart-bypass surgery, chemotherapy, and organ transplants.

     According to NFA Blood Drive Committee Captain Juhi Mawla, donations during the winter months are extremely vital for blood banks because there is often an increase in the amount of people needing blood due to the number of car accidents increasing this time of the year. The addition of the ALYX Machines allows students to also donate red blood cells for those that are ill or in life threatening situations. A low blood supply in the region also takes away from those critical medical conditions that need blood the most. “The patients need the blood to survive,” Mawla explained. Overall, the number of students, teachers, and community members has been promising since the school year began. “We are really happy with our number of donations this year so far,” she explained.

     NFA senior Ashley Masopust was a first time donor at the event after a little persuading from some of her friends on the NFA Blood Drive Committee. Masopust explained that although never donating before, a relative that was recently diagnosed with leukemia gave her the inspiration to donate at the event. “I have a direct connection,” she explained. When asked if she thought she would donate in the future, Masopust confirmed her desire immediately, “Absolutely, I know how important it really is to donate now.”