March 26, 2010

Press Release

John Tyler Blood Drive Makes History

The students at John Tyler High School have made history not once, not twice but three times.  This is the third year in a row that John Tyler’s school blood drive has surpassed records in East Texas area schools.  The goal of collecting 300 units of blood was exceeded with the final count of 317 units collected on March 24th and 25th. 

            This was the first time the campus held the blood drive for two days and invited the public to participate.  Although alumni and parents were invited to participate, the most participation came from the students at John Tyler High School. 

“This school year has been hard but our school spirit shines when it comes to saving lives,” said Sergio Cordero, student president of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).  “Our spirit and pride rise to the stars because we know we can do good when we donate blood. We step into the joy of not only saving lives, but also saying that we are proud to bleed blue.”

           To help celebrate the students’ efforts donations from local companies were received to contribute to a drawing during the event.  Prizes include a laptop computer and gift cards to various department stores, as well as food coupons and t-shirts. 

The John Tyler students who are part of the HOSA and the student senate programs were the organizers of the event.  With help from instructors Juanita Maxwell and Amy Langley, the results of the blood drive definitely made history in East Texas blood service, which began in 1947.

 “Our HOSA students are our future health care workers, and they understand the need for blood, especially in their own community,” said Amy Langley.  “We are so proud of the John Tyler students for recognizing this need and donating their blood. Not only were a record number of units donated, but a record number of people will benefit from this donation.”

            For the past two years, John Tyler High School has received recognition from the blood center for their improved accomplishments.  In 2007, John Tyler received an award from Carter Blood Care for the most improved high school sponsor of high school blood drives.  By the end of the school year, the school averaged more than 120 units of blood, with the largest blood drive being 164 units. In 2008 and 2009, John Tyler ranked number one in the area for high school blood drive sponsorship with more than 300 units donated for the school year in two blood drives.

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