By Theresa O’Connor 

   Only 2% of Americans give blood every year, but TPA’s third annual blood drive was a huge hit, contributing to that small percentage. With a total of 23 donors, 69 lives were helped on Feb. 10. 

   Junior Niamh Waddell, one of the blood-drive coordinators, highlights the importance of blood-donors to the community. She says, “The interesting part for me is anything from donating blood to being an organ donor – that is such a finite resource that everyday is being accessed and I never know in the future if I am going to need someone else’s blood. That’s totally a possibility (for surgery or any accident). It only makes sense that I give too.” 

   Huge thanks to senior Naomi Palmer, junior Dayanara Gamez and Niamh for hosting the past blood drive with TPA’s coordinator, Vitalant. With previous experience in advertising and organization, Dayanara and Niamh are ready to tackle future blood-drive events. 

   “Our goal is to eventually lead it on our own next year,” Dayanara says, “I know one of the pillars of NHS is leadership and service. Outside of those two things, giving back to the community and being a leader in the community are two major things that Niamh and I both really value. It is important to show that, especially to the underclassmen and portray that NHS is not just about all the requirements, it’s also about giving back to the community.”