Edgewood High School welcomed back Hoxworth Blood Center for the annual blood drive on Wednesday, November 1st. DECA advisor Rocky Chassteen as well as the students involved in DECA organized the blood drive.

“It was good to see our students donating blood, to save lives,” said Mr. Chasteen. “It feels good to have the opportunity to help others.” Our students saved 144 potential lives.

The previous pause in blood drives, due to COVID-19, has led to a shortage of blood for local hospitals. Edgewood students helped ease this deficit by donating “around 48 units of blood.”

Traditionally, when a student at EHS donates blood twice, they are able to receive a red cord for graduation. Although many seniors donate blood to help save the lives of others, some were worried that they wouldn’t be able to receive the cord due to the two-donation minimum. 

Senior Drew Swartzel was motivated by the graduation cord.  

“Knowing you are able to save the lives of others and get a cord for graduation really persuaded me to donate,” Drew said. “This is my second time donating, but I know many of my friends were worried they weren’t going to get the cord because they couldn’t donate because of COVID the last couple of years.” 

 The DECA advisor was proud of the student body’s turnout. 

“We had many volunteers this year,” Mr.Chasteen said. He’s hoping for this to continue and give students the opportunity to save lives.