59 give ‘gift of life’ at JHS blood drive

Posted

Johnston High School’s Edward L. DiSimone Gymnasium took on an entirely new look last Thursday morning.
“We take a lot of pride in hosting these events,” Greg Russo, a long-time chemistry teacher who serves as the JHS Student Council advisor offered while checking in on the Blood Drive. “In the 2017-18 school year, JHS was fourth in the state in the number of blood donations from high schools. This is quite the accomplishment because this placing did not take into account the size of all participating schools.”
Russo, who explained that last Friday’s JHS Blood Drive was for students in grades 10 to 12 providing they met the necessary requirements set forth by the Rhode Island Blood Center, went on: “So Johnston High School was competing against larger schools in the state and that speaks volumes for what we try to do here.”
A total of 79 people, who included students and some JHS faculty members, attended to give blood during last Thursday’s drive that ran between 7:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Russo said he drive is the first of three that will be held on Cherry Hill during this, the 2018-19 school year.
“Of those 79 who presented, 59 were able to donate blood,” Russo explained while heaping words of praise upon the Student Council officers such as Emily Raposo, the student group’s president, who manned the all-important check-in list.
He further explained that students ages 16 and 17 who wanted to participate in the blood drive had to have permission from a pren5t of guardian.
Likewise, students age 16 must also weigh at least 123 pounds and present a parental permission slip at the time of their actual donation. Each potential student donor is also required to be in good health.
Last Thursday’s drive was staffed by representatives of the Rhode Island Blood Center who Russo noted “always do a great job with our students during all our blood drives and we’re looking forward to perhaps larger numbers in our upcoming drives.”
He also urged people with any medical/eligibility questions about future blood drives to all 453-8307.

Next up at JHS: Homecoming

The Student Council has been gearing up for one of its most popular and important events of the academy year – Homecoming 2018 – which will in keeping with tradition feature a week-long list of special student events highlighted by the crowning of the King and Queen on Saturday, Oct. 20 during halftime of the Panthers football game vs.
In keeping with tradition, Homecoming will begin with the highly-popular Battle of the Classes that’s for next Wednesday, Oct. 10 at Mayor Joseph M. Polisena Stadium, weather permitting. Oct. 13 has been reserved for the rain date. Spirit Week, featuring different theme days, will be held from Oct. 15-19.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here