North Clackamas
School District
Helping Others is in Their Blood at CHS
Senior Teddy Sferrazza has played leading roles on stage during his four years in Clackamas High’s theater program, acting under the bright lights in front of thousands in the school auditorium. So why was he admittedly nervous about entering the upper gym this afternoon?
Same for fellow senior Kate Nagel, who co-captains the schools dance team and has performed in front of thousands of spectators during Friday night football games. But she also found herself a little jittery waiting nearby in a folding chair. “I’m fine actually,” said the outgoing 17-year-old. “As long as I don’t see the needle go in and I’m just sitting there, I’ll be great.”
Thanks to spirited students like Sferrazza and Nagel, “great” is the perfect way to describe the turnout for Clackamas High’s most recent service project -- a community blood drive in partnership with the Northwest Region of the American Red Cross. CHS students not only helped plan, publicize, and carry out the special day’s logistics, they also helped reassure anxious classmates leery of donating for the first time.
“I’m probably most scared of the needle and how I’m going to feel afterwards,” admitted junior Meesha St. John, “but I think I’ll be fine since the pain or whatever happens will be worth the outcome.”
Like other student volunteers, St. John learned earlier in the day that the outcome of donating one pint of blood can save up to three lives, which prompted her to sign up as a first-time blood donor. “If I have healthy blood, then why not give it?” reasoned the sociable 17-year-old.
American Red Cross Account Manager Daphne Mathew said she wasn’t surprised that upwards of 40 students signed up to donate, which could save more than 100 lives in the community. “I knew they’d do a great job,” laughed Mathew, who has worked with Clackamas High before. “The students were really on top of it from the beginning and did a great job getting people scheduled. It’s great for the students to learn how to volunteer. It takes a little bit of effort, but there’s a good payoff.”
Students like Nagel couldn’t agree more. “I heard how many lives it can save and I was like, oh that’s really cool,” she said while walking to the recovery area after finishing her turn. “I’ve never donated before today and I’m glad I came along for the ride.”
The American Red Cross partners with Clackamas, Adrienne C. Nelson, Milwaukie, and Rex Putnam high schools to conduct blood drives throughout the school year. Students ages 17+ can decide independently to donate, while 16-year-olds must have parent consent.