The American Red Cross has awarded a total of $3,000 to three Poplar Bluff High School students for volunteering to collect 340 units of blood this school year, potentially helping to save over 1,000 lives.
PBHS seniors Olivia Kirkman, Emily Lovette and Salah McCormack each received a Young Minds Change Lives scholarship valued at $1,000, the organization announced on Thursday, April 21.
“Working with the Red Cross has been so rewarding for many reasons, but knowing that I am working to assist in saving lives has been the greatest reward,” wrote Emily in the competitive application. She noted that her service-learning experiences have inspired her to want to pursue family law so she can work with children in foster care.
Olivia detailed how helping to run blood drives has helped her improve her communication skills as well as taught her about organization, time management, leadership and perhaps, above all, provided her with a greater sense of compassion “standing beside people donating and even holding their hands.” Olivia went on to express how personally “fulfilling” it has been to volunteer.
Salah discussed how event organization has enhanced her drive to do community service and “make the world a better place.” She has developed a more positive mindset and has grown as a person, she continued. “I enjoy helping others because it makes me feel whole and gives me a sense of purpose, which is why I would like to spend my life helping others,” Salah said.
Last year, PBHS was also awarded $3,000 in Red Cross scholarships, divided among four students, for collecting 320 units of blood. Principal Mike Owen pointed out that not only do teachers help the student volunteers in operating the events, but faculty members are often repeat donors of blood so students can exceed their scholarship goal.
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Cutline: (From left) American Red Cross account manager Jerrica Fox presents students Salah McCormack, Olivia Kirkman and Emily Lovette with individual Young Minds Change Lives scholarships on Thursday, April 21, at PBHS.