Article written by Micah Joseph ’27
Kellenberg Memorial’s annual Blood Drive kicked off with excitement as student volunteers filled the gymnasium, ready to roll up their sleeves—literally. What has become one of the school’s most anticipated service events once again showcased the enthusiasm of students eager to help save lives. From first‑time donors to seasoned participants, the energy in the room reflected a shared commitment to giving back.
On May 12, the class of 2027 was offered this opportunity to give back to the community. The many students who decided to give back all had positive experiences and feedback. The requirements were simple: participants must be sixteen years old, they have to be a certain weight, they must not have any blood related diseases or deficiencies, and they must have a high enough iron level. And if participants used the ALYX machine, they would need to be ready for donating two pints of blood, while receiving one pint of plasma back into the bloodstream. Most of the students who participated, while nervous, took this as an opportunity to really understand how fortunate they are and to help those in need.
Miss Vigario, who is part of the class of 2007 and also a member of the Kellenberg faculty, has also had great experiences giving blood. She made clear that this wasn’t just an opportunity to “skip a few class periods”, and have different snacks and drinks, but to really show the Christian Morality encouraged throughout the hallways and classrooms at Kellenberg Memorial. Mrs. Finn, a health teacher here at Kellenberg, also runs the blood drive alongside Miss Vigario, encouraging student participation in one of the two blood drives every year.
Throughout the event, representatives from the blood center worked closely with Kellenberg volunteers to ensure everything ran smoothly. Donors were checked in, screened, and guided through the process with care. By the end of the day, the Blood Drive had collected a significant number of pints, each one representing a potential life saved. The success of the event highlighted not only the generosity of the students but also the strength of the school’s commitment to service.
For many students, this wasn’t just a school event — it was a moment of realization. Sitting in the donation chair, they understood how fortunate they were to be healthy enough to give. Some thought about family members who had needed blood in the past; others simply felt grateful to help someone they would never meet. That quiet moment of reflection is what makes the Blood Drive such a meaningful tradition at Kellenberg. And because of the success this year, Kellenberg Blood Drive might add a third blood drive for the 2026-2027 school year, saving more lives one pint at a time.
