Sparta High School Hosts Annual Blood Drive

Written by: Kanita Tariq 

Sparta High School students had the opportunity to donate blood through the New York Blood Center on Thursday, May 3. The blood drive took place all throughout the school day in the annex gym, with student volunteers from the National Honor Society splitting morning and afternoon shifts. NHS President Quinn VanEs and Vice President Kaylynn Pierce worked on checking students in and out, while other members helped escort students to the canteen station after donating.

Quinn and Kaylynn

The canteen served as a station for students to recuperate for 15 minutes with food or drink before heading back to class.

Donors were required to sign up beforehand and were given appointments in advance for throughout the school day. Information was given to sophomores, juniors, and seniors in their gym class. 124 people registered, although some were turned away due to health reasons like low blood pressure. Of the 124 registered, 118 units of blood were collected - more than last year's donations.

Post blood-donation: Seniors Ali Rose, Sarah Haag, and Emily Irwin

Mrs. Kopp, National Honor Society advisor, emphasizes the importance of the annual blood drive in the Sparta High community - "The blood drive's been going on for years, and each year more and more kids are signing up. It's great because they're realizing how important of a cause it is and that they themselves are able to help. We're always so impressed by the students that come out every year to contribute."