Senior Tiara Wilson sits in the New Gym’s Gladiator Gallery on Fri., March 20, while donating blood as part of the spring term’s blood drive, hosted by the CCHS National Honor Society chapter in partnership with the Red Cross. Photo by Mary Merritt.
By MARY MERRITT – Features Editor
Clarke Central High School’s National Honor Society hosted the second blood drive of the 2014-15 school year in cooperation with the Red Cross.
Senior Tiara Wilson stares at the ceiling, her chair in a reclined position, her arm propped up on a rest. She tries to relax as she watches crimson fluid travel through a long skinny tube from her inner arm to a blood bag near her feet. Still, there is a smile on her face.
“I think it’s a good cause to donate to, so why not?” Wilson said.
Wilson is one of many CCHS students and faculty members to donate blood on Friday, March 20, and according to Red Cross employee Doug Dennis high school blood drives present unique opportunities for both donors and recipients.
“It gets people started giving blood. It starts (a) life-long habit, hopefully. For kids, it’s good, it gets them out of class, and it gets us a lot of extra blood that we wouldn’t get otherwise. It’s a good thing for everybody,” Dennis said.
The blood drive is also a volunteer opportunity for students. On Friday, members of CCHS’ chapter of the National Honor Society helped facilitate the event, making it almost completely student-run.
“I think (NHS) is a good club to help people and volunteer for many things. At my church, I help with the blood drive, so this is my second time helping,” junior and NHS member Bella Colmenares said.
Even though this is her first time volunteering with the school’s drive, Colmenares also sees many advantages to an in-school drive.
“It definitely does (reach a wide audience), it gives (students) a chance to see their friends giving blood, which might make them try it and see that they can actually help people. And since it’s at school, it’s an easier way for them to do it,” Colmenares said.
