Twice a year, South High School hosts a blood drive, once in the fall and once in the spring. The Blood Center of Wisconsin provides medical professionals, known as phlebotomists, who are responsible for drawing blood. On Tuesday, March 6th, students volunteered time part of their day to head down to the Schumann Gym at different times of the day. Snacks and drinks donated by members of Student Council and The Blood Center were provided for donors both before and after they were sat down to complete the procedure. Executive Board member of Student Council, Katie Banie, can proudly state that she has been in charge of running this event for the last 3 years. This year, Banie’s goal for the drive was to have 100 donors sign up. The goal was met with 101 donors, which produced a total of 84 units that will be distributed to more than 50 hospitals around the state.This amount of units has the potential to help to extend or save the lives of up to 252 patients. In addition to the goal being met, it was noted that there were 40 first time donors.

The drive this Spring did not only help more than 200 people, but it also marked the last Blood Drive that Senior and main coordinator Katie Banie will be participating in. As her high school career comes to an end, Banie will have to hand off the responsibility of running the drive to younger members of the South High Community. Banie has stated that she will be passing the event down to the hands of Sophomores Ashley Paltzer and Abby Urben, both dedicated Student Council members.

South High School hosts a number of beneficial events not just for the benefit of the school, but also for people around the community. Some examples of such are being a host of clothing and food drives, Walk for Warmth, Special Olympics, Vendor Fair, etc. Providing others with service is a notable characteristic that the South High community possesses. We would like to thank all student volunteers that helped in any way possible, the members and volunteers of The Blood Center that took the time to come from various cities nearby, and last but not least, to all of the people who took the time to save three lives!