Fifty-five students donated blood in the gymnasium on Tuesday, Nov. 16.Senior Alec Small, said “It was a spur of the moment kind of thing and I said ‘why not?’”

The Blood drive is “Really good to have at our school because it turns students on to donating blood so they can continue giving blood throughout their life,” said first timer and junior Lindsey Valenzuela.

The donations occurred in the gym, which was filled with plenty of water and sugary goods such as Rice Krispies and Nutter Butters for the donors to munch on. Along with the goodies, there was also some upbeat music playing on the speakers, creating a comfortable atmosphere.

Students waited in chairs until they were brought in by the nurses and laid down on the stretchers to give blood.  “I was actually really nervous. I expected it to hurt but it didn’t at all,” said Valenzuela. 

Senior Lara Fleck said she gave blood because her friend has leukemia and she just wanted to help. She was very comfortable at first but afterwards she got light headed and almost threw up. “It was still a great, great time,” Fleck said.

When done giving blood, students had green and blue colored gauze wrapped around their arms with two little bow ties on top. “I did it to save a life and thought it was a good thing to do,” said Valenzuela.

“Like Nike says, Just do it,” said Small.