Nica Jurlando (285)

On April 22, 284 held their final blood drive, with, of course, the assistance of 285’s Blood Drive Co-Chairs. Every year, Central hosts three blood drives in partnership with the Red Cross, an event that defines Central’s unique, impassioned student body and long history. Carrying on a Central tradition such as the Blood Drive is no easy task and requires a trustworthy team of devoted, skilled, and energetic students, headed by strong leadership. Carefully selected through an application and interview process, just four students are chosen as Co-Chairs per year. The 284 Co-Chairs have made their decision – the 285 Blood Drive Co-Chairs are Jake Benny, Grace John, Aldara Madden, and Elana Maser. 

Although it is easy to assume someone involved in the blood drive might want to go into medicine or a STEM-related field, the 285 Co-Chairs have proven otherwise. Co-Chair Jake is planning on going into public policy and government and sees the blood drive as a means to experience being part of a team and leading a team, skills imperative in a career in the public sector. In helping blood drive committees host and plan the event in the past, Jake says, “I saw the energy, the teamwork, and I wanted to be a part of it. […] I felt like I could put even more energy into it.” He sees the blood drive as more than just an opportunity to build a team– he wants to be a part of a greater mission and purpose: saving lives. He expresses that choosing the 285 blood drive committee members, of which there are fifteen, was difficult because everyone being considered had their own abilities. After finalizing the committee members, Jake remarks, “I’m looking forward to the team! We picked a good fifteen [people], a good team with diverse experiences and passions who really want to do this.” Jake has very few qualms about the success of the 285 blood drive Co-Chairs and committee, and trusts in 285 to uphold the blood drive in the coming school year.

Co-Chair Grace was exposed to the importance of blood donation at the age of 6, after her friend tragically passed away from jaw cancer. “I understood how important blood was; every pint of blood is truly helping someone,” she states, while reflecting on the experience. This is a huge reason as to why she desired to be Co-Chair – the importance of helping others and being involved in a greater cause. Unlike other Co-Chairs, Grace is looking into a career in healthcare, specifically in oncology, focusing on cancer. When asked what she is most looking forward to regarding the blood drive, she exclaims, “I’m excited to get to know everyone and be a part of the close-knit community!” As long as the committee works together, she says, she has no doubts that everything will go perfectly, even in the event of a hot gym in September or other setbacks. 

Central’s blood drives are all about organization, leadership, and “the technical aspects of it,” according to Co-Chair Aldara. Aldara officially became interested in the blood drive after attending the information meeting that was held by the 284 Co-Chairs, where they introduced the roles and the application. “It sounded like a really good opportunity,” she says, adding that she doesn’t have many other leadership positions around Central, so she was heavily interested in being involved in the blood drive. Aldara is excited for the interactions, controlling the event, and having a part in running it – she calls it “a genuine cause with genuine effects… having such a huge part in that is really cool.” The Co-Chairs work alongside Red Cross, though are expected to organize and lead the majority of the event themselves; “I definitely see myself in something like this where I’m leading something and organizing something myself,” Aldara says. “Talking to people, scheduling appointments, and connecting with others.”

As the opportunity to become a part of the blood drive arose, Co-Chair Elana was excited – she had seen the blood drive throughout her years at Central and wanted to be involved in any way she could. She loves being a part of the Central community and took this as an “opportunity to be a leader leading something important,” she says. “I’m excited because there will be a lot of success, [with that] feeling of knowing that we did that as a group.” Even the little successes are important, Elana makes clear, and looks forward to experiencing the euphoria of the blood drive’s accomplishments three times. The leadership skills gained while being involved in a project such as this are something that Elana knows will be valuable in the greater scope of her life, regardless of what field of work or study she may go into. In addition to her excitement, Elana is nervous about the unexpected – “it can get stressful,” she says. “I’m nerv-cited!”

285 has gathered a committee of students that is diverse and passionate. Among many differences, one thing remains clear: the energetic blood drive atmosphere to come. 284 has done a great job with the blood drive this year, though they know it’s finally time to pass the torch to the forthcoming group. The tradition will continue in stride; in the words of Co-Chair Jake, “285 is a really strong class. We’re gonna lift it up!”