Woburn High School Hosts Annual Blood Drive

by Andrew Madanjian

On November 5, the Key Club hosted the Red Cross’s annual blood drive at Woburn Memorial High School. The event, originally scheduled for last Monday, was postponed after school was closed in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. In spite of this delay, the blood drive was as successful as ever with over 80 students and teachers volunteering to donate blood.

Red Cross was present at the school all day to accept blood donations. Despite some nerves going into the event, all of the students present were enthusiastic to take part in the blood drive. Volunteers were given pizza to help them recuperate from giving blood.

Key Club President Mikayla Essigmann, who this year organized and ran the event for her second time, was happy to play such a role in helping give back to the community. Having donated blood three years in a row, Essigmann sees the blood drive as an opportunity for the students of this school to give back and help save lives.

“Key Club is devoted to helping the community and the school, and the Red Cross is a great organization as well. The blood drive helps promote students’ awareness for problems in this country. It shows that our school is involved in helping out the community,” said Essigmann.

The prospect of needles, veins, and blood can be intimidating, but all of the students who participated were brave and willing to face their fears for a good cause. Senior Larissa Almeida, who gave blood for the first time yesterday, put aside her hesitations in order to help save lives.

“I’m not really skinny and I’ve been eating a lot so I won’t pass out. I’m nervous, I don’t like needles. I have a family member who needed a blood transfusion once, and he had a weird blood type so it was hard for him. This really can save lives,” said Almeida.

Senior Kristen Buehler was nervous about giving blood, but she recognized it as a chance to help people in need.

“I was freaking out because it was my first time giving blood and I saw someone faint earlier in the day. I was talking to Mr. Gibbs because with Hurricane Sandy, there has been a big need for donations. I was glad to be able to help with that,” said Buehler.

The experience of donating blood has been rewarding to all those who participated.

“I feel really good after giving blood. It makes me feel like I’m saving lives,” said Essigmann.  

Not only was the student body a part of the blood drive, but teachers from the high school participated as well. Spanish teacher Katelyn Nickerson, who has donated to this event twice before, was happy to know how much good her small contribution could do.

“I feel great knowing I could help three people with just one pint of blood and only 45 minutes of my time,” said Nickerson.  

Woburn Memorial High School, Key Club, and Red Cross were all proud to host this blood drive and help those in need.