Yolani Baron (284)
Staff Writer

Central has many traditions: the showcases, Northeast rivalry games, and the well-loved Phillies Night. One of the most impactful traditions in our community, however, is the annual senior-led blood drives. Starting strong in September, 284 co-chairs Rafaela Rodriguez, Harley Shur, Pelham Tennant, and Clara de Groot led this year’s first successful blood drive.

With the help of a committee of twenty seniors, the American Red Cross, and Ms. Zeserman and Mr. Horwits, Central’s Blood Drive and all our donors saved over 200 lives in just five hours! Ms. Zeserman, having sponsored this club for over three years, claims, “The entire team has been dedicated to the cause, really through their promotion and encouragement for the entire Central community.” She is so glad to see 284 continuing such a great legacy. The Blood Drive co-chairs are “proud of the community, which came together with the same goal to give blood and spread love.”

Despite the wrestling gym shutting down during third period due to safety concerns, the co-chairs managed to move on, realizing what happened was out of their control. They had to adapt, regain control of the situation, and stay calm. They wish they didn’t have to send many students away but are thankful to have gotten a great number of pints even with half the space, showcasing the resilience and leadership 284 embodies. Rafaela Rodriguez “is certain that the next blood drive will be much more successful. Being involved in something like this is so important as [she’s] helping foster a community willing to help others while learning how to be a strong leader and team member,” making this an experience she can’t wait to recreate in February.

The 284 Blood Drive Committee as a whole came together to create a lively and meaningful event for the entire school, showing how the blood drives are one of the most powerful traditions at Central as not only do they positively impact the lives of others, but they are entirely student-run. Additionally, many students don’t understand how generous of an act it is. Many sign up to give blood, donate, then head back to class, nearly unaware of the impact of saving the lives of three other people three strangers in need of our donations. Rafaela ensures that “it is an extremely selfless act everyone should be proud of.” Gina Burtulato, one of the checking-in leaders, recognizes how “it’s not common for high schools to hold blood drives with the Red Cross, [and] it’s a unique and amazing experience we get to host at Central.” Gina joined the committee to help others, sharing how “sometimes we don’t realize that there are people who need blood for so many different reasons, and being able to say you saved three lives is amazing in itself.” Interested in the medical field, Gina encourages others to continue to donate and be part of a greater community at Central’s Blood Drive.

Sydney White, one of the leaders for music and media, feels the “blood drive went extremely well,” knowing the committee has put so much effort and energy into this first blood drive. She assures that in February “everyone who wants to donate will be given a fair chance to do so!” Sydney cultivated a six-hour playlist to keep the energy up whether she was dancing to the music or shouting in the mic, she made sure this year’s drive stayed upbeat, as it’s an exciting and joyful day for our school. Driven by her inability to donate, Sydney appreciates everyone who wished to donate blood, emphasizing that “we are saving lives and making a difference in the world at our very own school.”

284’s first drive is rooted in a tradition students hope will continue years after we graduate. The entire committee and Central’s sponsors were inspired by the number of people willing to donate, and there will hopefully be an even bigger turnout this winter!