SETON CATHOLIC IS CBC’S MOST HONORED BLOOD DRIVE HIGH SCHOOL

DAYTON, Ohio – Seton Catholic High School in Richmond has added to its legacy as a small school with a big heart.  Seton received two High School Leadership Grants for blood drive excellence in 2018-2019 to become the most honored high school in Community Blood Center’s 15-county service area.

CBC’s Melinda Frech presented the two awards and a check for $2,000 to SCHS Principal John Markward on Sept. 6 during the first blood drive of the new school year.  Seton won the $1,000 grant for “Highest Percentage of Enrollment” supporting blood drives in the 2018-2019 academic year. It marked the fourth consecutive year Seton has won the category.  Seton also won the $1,000 grant for “Most Improved” blood drive school.

Seton has now won seven grants over the seven-year history of the High School Leadership Grant program, making it the all-time leader in grant awards.
CBC traditionally kicks off the new year of high school blood drives by awarding High School Leadership Grants in five categories to the top schools from the previous year. In 2018-2019, 119 high schools in CBC’s 15-county region hosted 221 blood drives, totaling 13,418 donors.

“Our students are really into it, and our Parish as well,” said Principal Markward, who serves as blood drive coordinator and advisor to Student Council, the student sponsor group for the blood drives. He noted that Seton graduated 23 seniors last year, and most received the CBC Red Cord for registering to donate at least three times during their high school years.

“The kids set it up, and before they walk out of here, they sign up for the next blood drive, Markward said. “At the end of the day, it’s all about these kids.”
Seton Catholic won the “Highest Percentage of Enrollment” with 207 percent of eligible students participating in the school’s blood drives. Seton added a fourth blood drive in 2018-2019 and won the grant for “Most Improved” blood drive with a 133-percent increase in participation.

“The way I see it, why wouldn’t we donate?” said junior Xen Cartwright after making his third lifetime donation at the Sept. 6 blood drive. “It’s not detrimental to yourself, and at the same time you’re saving people. I like that and a lot of people in the school have that mind set. It’s an opportunity to make a difference and save a life out there.”
Seton’s Sept. 6 blood drive is the first of four blood drives scheduled for the 2019-2020 school year. Friday’s blood drive totaled 51 donors, including 39 donations and eight first-time donors.

“All my friends do it,” said first-time donor Andrew Himes.  “It’s something I like to do,” said senior William Brenneke who made his fourth lifetime donation. “Whenever one comes up, I say ‘sure!’”
 
2018-2019 GRANT WINNERS BY CATEGORY:

• Most Donors: Miami Valley Career Technology Center - In 2018-2019 MVCTC’s fall and spring blood drives totaled 407 donors, including 146 first-time donors and 317 donations.
• Highest Percentage of Enrollment: Seton Catholic High School – Seton Catholic has won this category four consecutive years with the strength of support increasing every year. In 2018-2019 participation in Seton’s four blood drives was 207 percent of eligible enrollment. Seton had 195 percent participation in 2017-2018, 175 percent in 2016-2017, and 152 percent in 2015-2016.
• Second Highest Percentage of Enrollment: Houston High School – Houston High School was second to Seton Catholic High School with 101 percent of its eligible students participating in the school’s two blood drives.
• Most Improved: Seton Catholic High School - Seton added a fourth blood drive in 2018-2019 and won the grant for “Most Improved” blood drive school with a 133-percent increase in participation. It’s the second time Seton has won the “Most Improved” grant. Seton’s four blood drives totaled 242 donors, including 30 first-time donors.

 
Blood donation requirements:  Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name.  Past CBC donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card.  Donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 years old with parental consent: form available at www.givingblood.org or at CBC branch & blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (you may have to weigh more, depending on your height), and be in good physical health.  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changes blood donor eligibility guidelines periodically.  Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email canidonate@cbccts.org or call 1(800)388-GIVE. Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com.

Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services® is an independent, not-for-profit organization.  Community Blood Center provides blood products to 23 hospitals and health centers within a 15-county service area in the Miami (Ohio) and Whitewater (Indiana) Valleys.  For more information about Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services®, visit www.givingblood.org.