Students, locals give at SHS blood drive held on Valentine’s Day

STEUBENVILLE -- Valentine's Day is a time to give from the heart, and students and local residents also gave of themselves during the biannual blood drive at Steubenville High School.

The Nike Club sponsored the event Tuesday in conjunction with the American Red Cross and collected 31 units from donors with an overall total of 58 units for the year. The all-female student organization gathered 27 units during a previous drive in November, and adviser Katrina Morrow said the latest effort yielded an impressive turnout.

"We had a steady stream of outside residents and students," Morrow said. "We've also had three or four people do the Power Red donations, which is two pints of blood and counts for at least six donations."

The collection has a two-fold benefit -- saving lives and earning scholarships for graduating seniors. Morrow added that one $250 American Red Cross scholarship could be given away, and she was grateful to everyone for pitching in to help those in need.

Morrow added that spring blood drives were generally more well-attended, and club members hung promotional flyers to draw attention, while some teachers also gave extra credit to students who made a donation. Nike Club members signed up contributors at the registration table and provided snacks and the required 15-to-20-minute respite following collections at the canteen while Red Cross medical staff oversaw the donations.

Students and residents alike said they donated because they wanted to make a difference in someone else's life.

"I was going to last year but I wasn't old enough," said sophomore Magdalene Crisante, explaining that it was her first time. "I have always wanted to and thought it was important because there are people with medical issues … and I wanted to help."

"I just wanted to do it," added sophomore Ruth Deah, another first-time donor, who noted that she might donate again in the future.

Junior Nicole Barr has donated at least three times and said she was inspired by her mother.

"My mom is a nurse and has always donated, and she told me about it when I was little," Barr continued. "I'm terrified of needles, but I'd still do it."

Steubenville native and Follansbee resident Frank Babaryk traveled across the bridge and rolled up his sleeve for the cause, which made it his seventh donation but his first time at SHS.

"I thought about it for a long time. It benefits other people and rejuvenates my blood, too."

Sophomore Michael Fuchs contributed for the second time and said his blood goes a long way.

"I just thought it was the right thing to do. Mine is O negative, so it goes with everybody," Fuchs said.

Junior Javin Harper also saw the need and participated for the first time.

"I thought about how people are feeling," Harper said. "If I was in that position, I'd hope someone would do the same thing for me."

The Nike Club has held blood drives each fall and spring with the latter being conducted in February for the past two years. Morrow said the collection enables the Red Cross to replenish its supply and the units are used within the greater Allegheny area.