BY NICHOLAS LUCCHESI
On April 24, OBHS hosted a Red Cross blood drive where students and staff donated their blood for those in need.
Students volunteered to help make the drive move according to schedule and attend to anyone needing attention after giving blood. “I signed up because donating blood to help others is a noble cause, and the organization was looking for help!” said Raphael Capangpangan.
Staff working at the blood drive called students down to the back gym at various points in the day for their appointment. “The process was pretty simple: filling out the fast pass, so you didn’t have to wait too long, and the staff and teachers were really friendly and nice,” said Justin Pacheco.
Upon arriving, the staff asked the students several questions pertaining to their health. “It was super easy,” said Brianna Medwick. “I had to answer a few questions, and then another lady spoke to me, checked my iron, and I got my blood drawn after that.”
After the students’ evaluations, they went to another station where they lay down and had their blood collected. “I wanted to help the people in need by donating my blood,” said Alexandra Ballesteros.
In between students getting called to the next stations, the volunteers helped call the donator names that waited for their appointments to make the process go smoother and faster. “I signed up to be a helper for the blood drive because I can’t donate blood, but I still wanted to help out,” said Alyssa Bumbico.
The volunteers provided snacks and water for students after they had their blood taken. “I want to go into the medical field, and I think it’s really interesting, and I wanted to help out,” said Briana Steger.
Students then returned to class upon having waited for the appropriate time after having donated their blood. “I liked the blood drive,” said Steger. “It felt rewarding seeing how people are willing to sit there and donate their blood, knowing it can help others.”
Photos by Nicholas Lucchesi
Posted on June 1, 2026
Knight Life 