SHS helps save other’s lives through third drive

STEUBENVILLE -- Steubenville High School drew students, staff and community members for the tri-annual blood drive held Feb. 13. During Valentine's week, donors showed their hearts by giving blood for the latest campaign. The collaboration between the high school's Nike Club and the American Red Cross yielded dozens of contributors.

Club members operated the registration and snack tables while Red Cross medical staff collected the life-saving liquid to benefit area hospitals. Teacher Jessica Cheslar oversaw the student group, which assisted in registering 41 people for the final program of the year.

"Everything went really great," Cheslar said. "We had an awesome turnout. We had (Nike members) do check-ins, snacks and check on the donors. Plus, they do setup and cleanup."

The Nike Club hoped to collect 30 units of blood, which would be in addition to the 57 units it obtained during earlier events this past year. That would put the group above the 75-unit minimum for which two scholarships will be awarded to seniors who donated at all three blood drives this year.

More importantly, the higher figures would assist the Red Cross in helping to meet its need for an increase in the nation's blood supply. Donations have plummetted since the COVID pandemic.

Students and area residents were either first-time or repeat contributors. But all donors were in agreement that this was an important cause. Although Nike Club senior Serenity Casco did not participate at this event, she has donated twice before, being inspired by adviser Katrina Morrow, who wanted to help others.

"Miss Morrow said it would be good and I've given blood before," Casco said.

Sophomore Grace Jordan rolled up her sleeve for the campaign. She commented this was a new experience for her, saying, "This is my first time. A few people in my class talked about it and I thought I'd do it. I like the feeling of helping other people."

Senior Josh Hillman is a repeat donor, noting contributing the gift of life runs in his family. He explained, "I've donated twice this year. My parents do it and I like helping others. I would recommend that other students do it to help the community."

Senior Madison Hickey said she has donated a half-dozen times throughout the years, believing it is "a good thing to do to help people."

In addition to those at the high school, community members attended the drive, including Follansbee resident Teresa Schaefer.

"This is my second time (donating in the valley.) I have rare blood -- O Negative, and it helps anybody." Schafer said she donated blood in Pittsburgh, as well, in honor of her father, who was a firefighter.