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High School Students Host First in Series of Blood Drives
Hana Deaton and Luke Fischer, both 12th grade students at Newburgh Free Academy Main Campus organized 44 volunteers to facilitate the first of four blood drives the high school will host this year. The students anticipate hundreds of volunteers this year. All blood drives are open to the community with donations going to the New York Blood Center.
“Everyone is afraid of needles, but after the first time and the feeling of saving three lives by just sitting there for a few minutes, even though it may be uncomfortable, really hooked me to keep coming back. The more lives we save the better,” says Luke Fischer who has been volunteering for the event since he was a sophomore and was encouraged by his older brother who was a captain.
Hana started volunteering last year by coming to meetings and eventually accrued enough experience and interest to become a captain. Hana expected a lower outcome for the first event, but noted that as students turn 16 throughout the year, that number will grow. Students can donate blood beginning at age 16 with their parents signature and donate on their own once they turn 17. Each donor receives a blood donor card in the mail, which makes the sign in process much easier. Hana also mentioned the amount of teachers and administrators who donate regularly.
Ms. Michele McKnight and Mr. Rich Anderson have been advisers for the Blood Drive for the past 9 years. The foundation for the Blood Drive began with Ms. Melissa Siegel, current teacher at Newburgh Free Academy’s West Campus. The Blood Drive acts as a way for students to collaborate as a team to organize the event and give back to the community in a very important and meaningful way.
The next blood drives hosted by Newburgh Free Academy Main campus will be held from 8am – 1pm on Thursdays December 5, 2019, February 6, 2020, and April 23, 2020.
ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!
