BRADFORD, Ohio – Community Blood Center (CBC) has recognized Bradford High School for blood drive excellence with a $1,000 High School Leadership Grant. Bradford was honored for “Highest Percentage of Enrollment” of eligible students participating in school blood drives during the 2013-14 academic year.
The Railroaders hosted four blood drives with participation by 144% of eligible enrollment. Bradford also hosted two community blood drives for a total of six on campus. The Railroaders were back on track Thursday, Oct. 16 hosting another blood drive and building up a head of steam to carry through the new school year.
“We’re very excited,” said Bradford faculty member and cross-country team coach Bob Daugherty, who serves as co-coordinator of the blood drives with National Honor Society adviser Amber Brubaker and Student Council adviser Angie Szary. NHS, Student Council and the cross country team are all co-sponsors of the blood drives with many of the member serving as volunteers.
“I was shocked,” said Bob. “With our size, I didn't realize we’d be able to receive an award. “It’s an honor. We feel very privileged. We have kids that show up after school – even when they’re not scheduled to be working the blood drive – and help out. They feel it’s very important to donate and they’ll come running into my home room all excited saying, ‘I got my phone call! They called last night and said they used my blood!’”
CBC Donor Relations Manager Tracy Morgan and CBC Darke County account representative Dana Puterbaugh presented the grant award and $1,000 check to Bradford Principal P.J. Burgett, the coordinators and volunteers at Thursday’s blood drive. “We have many schools hosting blood drives that have a lot more students than you,” said Tracy. But you are the school with the highest percentage of support than anyone. It says so much about your dedication and how much you care about helping others.”
As the school day ended the blood drive continued. Senior K.C. Fout made his second lifetime donation and was proud to know his school was an award winner. “I think we know that we have a lot of blood, we know that we – can – donate, we don’t have a lot of problems that would stop us, so we do,” he said. “I don’t see why people don’t (donate), as long as you can.”
Seniors Shelby Chaney and Kasi Hill celebrated with snacks in the Donor Café, served by Student Council volunteers from the middle school and high school. “I thought I needed to do it, all the other years I was scared,” said Shelby. “I never donated before, but I decided to try it now,” said Kasi.
Shelby was also quick to share the news with Bob Daugherty. “I did it!” she said. “I feel good, like I could go run four miles!” “Yea, but we don’t want you to run four miles!” he replied. Like a well-run railroad, the Bradford Railroaders know how to pace themselves through their ambitious blood drive schedule, and it shows in their always impressive results. Thursday’s blood drive registered 55 donors and resulted in 48 donations for 129% of the collection goal.
Bradford, with only 135 eligible donors enrolled, was one of three High School Leadership Grant winners that were among the smallest schools in CBC’s 15-county service area. Ansonia High School, with only 140 eligible donors enrolled was runner-up to Bradford, winning the $1,000 grant for 2nd Highest Percentage of Enrollment. Horizon Science Academy Dayton had just 60 eligible donors enrolled in 2013-14 but achieved a 125% increase in blood drive participation.
Butler Tech was again the most productive blood drive sponsor overall, winning the $1,000 grant for Most Donors in the Academic Year. It dominated this year’s awards by winning a second $1,000 grant for Red Cord Excellence with the highest number of student donors qualifying for the CBC Red Cord Honor Program.
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