Pottstown Trojans Bleed Blue for Their Community

Photos courtesy of Pottstown High School

High school student Natalie James, right, gives blood during the Miller-Keystone Blood Center's Winter Blood Drive.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by Pottstown School District.

Pottstown High School students and staff showed their willingness to give to others to help build a strong community. 

During the annual Winter Blood Donation Drive, students and staff donated 52 units of blood which will be used in local hospitals to help save over 150 lives.

Carol Graves, Donor Resource Representative of the Miller-Keystone Blood Center, said, “This is one of the most successful winter blood drives that the high

High School student Emanuel Touissant signs up to

give blood during the Miller-Keystone Winter Blood Drive

school has conducted. High school students are responsible for contributing over 20 percent of the community’s blood supply. As our nation ages, there is an increased demand for blood. These young people have demonstrated that they are willing to take their place in our community as future leaders.”

The drive is organized by the Pottstown High School HOSA (Health and Occupations Students of America) students, under the leadership of Michaela Johnson. 

 She said, “I am very proud of our students and staff for their willingness to give of themselves and make a donation that truly helps save the lives of many people. Our donors include students who have distinguished themselves in the classroom and co-curricular activities. They are now demonstrating their leadership and willingness to help our community. They truly are a reason for us to all say Proud to be from Pottstown.”

A Bloody Good Story

The Pottstown CARES blood drive collected enough blood to save 213 lives.

Blogger's Note: Just in case you were under the mistaken impression that the Pottstown CARES event was just about raking leaves, the force of nature that is John Armato sets the record straight.

The recent Pottstown CARES event not only helped cleanup many neighborhood streets, add a fresh coat of paint on some houses, and provide information to the public about many community service organization it also helped to save lives right here in Pottstown.

PHS Band Director Michael Vought truly gives "blood,"
along with sweat and tears to his community.

Partnering with the Miller-Keystone Blood Bank, donation drives were conducted at both the community days and community cleanup events. Twenty units of blood were collected at the Hill School during the community days’ event and 51 units at Pottstown High School. 

According to Carol Graves from the Miller-Keystone Blood Bank each unit of blood donated helps to save three lives. She said, “Every two seconds in America someone needs a blood transfusion. All of the blood donated through this event will be utilized right here in Pottstown to help save lives.”

Pottstown High School students played an active role in the program. Members of the high school Student Government were responsible for organizing and promoting the event while Health Occupations students assisted technicians in collecting the donated blood.

Michaela Johnson, Health Occupations teacher, said, “The drive was a great success. I’m so proud of the students who took part. Workers from Miller-Keystone pointed out that our students were great to work with. They volunteered their time and were able to help others while gaining knowledge of how the healthcare team works.”

Health Occupations student Ashli Sinclair said, “I had fun and enjoyed helping at the blood drive. It made me feel good to know I was helping others.”

Classmate Jasmine Maldonado said, “I really felt like I was able to make a difference knowing that I was doing something that will help save lives.”

PHS student Brad Mathues was enthusiastic about his donation

“As a donor aide, I was able to help donors through the process. I worked directly with the phlebotomist,” stated student Kourage Norris.

Mark Agnew, advisor to Student Government, said, “This is a tremendous experience for our students. Organizing, promoting, and facilitating this event gives our students real life experiences and a sense of accomplishment in playing a role in our community.”

“This is my second year helping out with the blood drive. I was able to go to the Miller-Keystone breakfast last spring where they have donor recipients share their gratitude and was motivated by what I heard," said student government member Kelly O’Donnell. "I’m looking forward to our February drive and hoping we can fit in another opportunity to help the community before the end of the year. It is awesome to really be able to help save a life.” 

Student Ben Habekost summed it up by saying, “It feels good to give back to the community and it shows that Pottstown High School students have pride in Pottstown.”

PHS Health Assistance students helped out with style. From left are Ashli Sinclair, Jasmine Maldonado,
Kenisha Holloway, Kourage Norri and, Kasia Butts

A Bloody Good Tale to Tell

Pottstown High School student Amber Lichtly gets stuck

Blogger's Note: Surely by now, good reader, you recognize the handiwork of that busy little bee, John Armato...

This school year, the students and staff at Pottstown High School partnered with the Miller Keystone Blood Center to help save 444 lives.

Three blood drives were organized by the high school Student Government and Health Occupations classes with the assistance of sponsor Mark Agnew.

During the spring drive, 65 registered donors resulted in the collection of 44 units of lifesaving blood.

Agnew pointed out, “the students have really stepped it up this year. This is the third blood drive and the turnout was outstanding. They keep coming and giving. This is an excellent opportunity for our students to show gratitude to the community.”

Student donor Chris Marcelli expressed his thoughts about the campaign, “it feels good to be able to help someone in a time of need. I really do not like needles at all but the good feeling I get from knowing that I am helping others gets me through it.”

Students and staff had a special treat at the spring donation with a visit from the Miller Keystone mascot “Buddy.”

"Buddy" gets a warm welcome at Pottstown High School

The mascot was on hand to provide encouragement and enthusiasm to the donors.

Carol Graves, from the Miller Keystone Blood Center, has nothing but high praise for the students and staff of Pottstown High School.

“This year the total number of donors was 201 and cumulatively we collected 148 units of blood. This donation has helped save 444 lives this year," Graves said.

High schools in the Miller Keystone area collect about 20 percent of the blood center’s inventory during the school year.

Miller Keystone Blood Center is the sole supplier of blood and blood products to the Pottstown Memorial Medical Center and 23 other PA and NJ hospitals.

Visit their website at www.giveapint.org.

The entire staff at The Digital Notebook encourages you to remember that the summer months are a time of great need for blood donations. Please donate if you can.