STEAM hosts annual Red Cross Blood Drive

On Friday, November 8, 2024, the Mount Vernon STEAM Academy successfully hosted their seventh annual American Red Cross Blood Drive. Students aged 16 years and older had the opportunity to safely donate their blood in the school’s small gymnasium. They collectively donated about 31 pints of blood, saving up to 93 lives from blood diseases such as sickle cell anemia and different types of cancers. 

“Sickle cell anemia is difficult for anybody to have; they need a special type of blood, and alot of our students have it,”  said Jessica Pizzuti, special education teacher at the STEAM Academy. “Each pint of blood saves up to three lives. In the fall, about 45 students donated, and in the spring, we had about 65.’ 

Since 2022, STEAM has donated over 242 pints of blood. Each student that donates blood is given 20 dollars, a free red cross t-shirt, and snacks to help recover. STEAM students, graduates, and staff are encouraged to donate and help save lives. 

“It's a very good experience. It’s important that I was able to get so many people to come do the blood drive,” said Mehki Pinkey, one of two STEAM seniors spearheading the blood drive. “It's good to say that you’re helping people out by donating blood.”