Penn Yan Academy continued its strong tradition of service by collecting 41 units of blood during its recent winter event. The drive marked the second of three blood drives the Academy will host this school year.
More than half of the recent drive’s donors were students, a point of pride for organizers.
“I was very happy to have so many student donors for this drive,” said Carlie Bossard, advisor. “We had several first time donors and we had many repeat student donors who have donated three or more times.”
The blood drive program itself has expanded significantly in recent years with Penn Yan Academy hosting just two drives annually with approximately 25 appointment slots per event. Since then, a third drive was added in late winter to allow student-athletes to donate between sports seasons, and capacity has grown to 60 appointment slots per drive.
“I love seeing new students stepping up to donate, and the students who come back time after time and are the first to sign up, " said Bossard. “I also have many students who want to donate, but are too young and they say they can't wait until they can donate.”
With one drive remaining this school year, the school is well-positioned to meet its goal. Combined with the 35 units gathered during the September drive, the school has now collected 76 units so far this year.
If at least 30 additional units are collected during the final drive on May 27, the school will reach 100 units for the year — unlocking $1,500 in scholarship funding for graduating seniors.