Smyrna High School and Cape Henlopen High School are two big reasons why Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD) loves high school blood drive season.
Smyrna High School, which serves students from both southern New Castle County and northern Kent County, collected 48 units and brought in 29 first-time donors at its fall semester blood drive held Friday, October 4, which helped kick off the Eagles’ homecoming week.
BBD Account Manager Mary Moore works with Smyrna High School blood drive coordinator Ashley Carrow, who is the college and career counselor, class of 2028 advisor and the Student Government Association advisor.
Smyrna High School Student Government traditionally runs the blood drives held by the Eagles.
“We did this to coincide with our homecoming events,” Carrow said. “I joined the fire service at 15, and I’ve always been passionate about helping people. I had a baby a couple years ago, and unfortunately, it just doesn’t coincide with my schedule anymore. So, this is my way of giving back to that realm a little bit.”
Among the Smyrna High School Student Government Association Executive Committee members working at the blood drive were SGA President Gabby Charles, a junior, 16; Vice President Keely Coleman, a junior, 16; and Executive Committee Member Sherry Lin, a senior, 17.
“There’s a lot of people signing up, and I feel proud that we have a community that’s willing to give back,” Gabby said. “Our staff and our school are really nice.”
SGA’s work led to someone like Jazell Grouse, a junior, 16, donating blood for the first time ever.
“I’m terrified of needles. But, before I deleted the email I thought, what if I can help someone?” Jazell said.
Smyrna junior Paige Jones, 16 also donated for the first time.
“I’m an O negative, and I was just happy that my blood goes to everybody,” Paige said. “[Also], my mom always donates every year.”
Harrison White, junior, 17, donated for the second time on October 4.
“I felt like I have something that can help other people, and it doesn’t cost me more than sitting in this chair,” Harrison said. “Overall, I just know I’m out here helping somebody out, and that makes me feel good.”
In addition to students, teachers and staff donated at the Eagles blood drive, including Spanish Teacher Evlyn Bassols, Special Services Administrative Assistant Kim Oberholtzer, Educational Diagnostician Heather Straup, Student Counselor Ron Girton, and Athletic Director Bill Schultz.
As for Cape Henlopen High School further south in Sussex County, the Vikings were equally up to the task of savings lives for their fall semester blood drive. HOSA-Future Health Professionals advisor Linda Sapienza was very proud of the students’ efforts to book more than 60 appointments, which translated into a robust 59 units and 33 first-time donors. HOSA, formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America, runs four blood drives per year at Cape Henlopen High School.
“These are future healthcare professionals that hold four blood drives a year; they’re making sure everyone feels comfortable and appreciated,” Sapienza said. “They are awesome students; they get a lecture on blood, hematology, and this [draw] is counted as a skills-related activity.”
Cape Henlopen HOSA members Rylie Myers, 15, a sophomore, and Brad Marks, 18, a senior, observed as Rylie’s mom, Alison Myers, donated with Blood Collection Tech Bella Davenport.
“Just being able to see everything and the experts in action and being able to learn is the biggest thing,” Brad said. “Hopefully, in the future our careers will be about helping people.”
Added Rylie, “We’re also learning bedside manner and how to talk to the patients, how they react to what they say, and how we can help them and provide for them. I just think it’s a great learning experience. Honestly, you should learn how to converse with people if you want to go into this field.”
Cape Henlopen HOSA member Layla Webster, 16, did it all on Monday. She donated for the first time, she observed, and she checked on other donors.
“I enjoy helping people,” Layla said. “I heard my blood helps three people.”
As the upperclassmen observed donors or staffed the café, some of the underclassmen greeted donors at the door to the Cape Henlopen gym including 15-year sophomores Raegan Williams and Isabella Tripp or Arianna Ney and Jeleiny Guitierrez-Vega.
In addition to students, the blood draw drew staff like Physical Science Teacher Alex Hence.
“There’s a need,” Hense said. “If I can help save somebody, it’s my duty as a citizen.”
Ainsley Rineer, sophomore, 16, and Kamren Parker, a junior, 17, also were among the first-time donors inspired by family.
“My dad and my brother are both avid donors,” Ainsley said. “I’m also in the nursing pathway, so I thought I might as well try and get into the habit of donating.”
