Atlantic City High School Collected Over 30 Pints of Blood Thanks to One Student’s Power Red Donation

The Atlantic City High School American Red Cross Blood Drive made an impressive impact on May 7, 2025, with students coming together to support a life-saving cause. One standout contribution came from junior Derek Santos, who went beyond a standard blood donation by making a Power Red donation, collecting two units of red blood cells in a single appointment.

Derek Santos was inspired by his biomedical science class, where he had been learning the intricacies of drawing blood. Motivated by a challenge from his teacher, he embraced the opportunity, saying, “It’s a cool opportunity. I feel like I did my good deed for the day.” His action exemplified how young people can make a significant difference through small, courageous steps.

A Power Red donation differs from a traditional blood donation by returning platelets, plasma, and saline to the donor after collecting the red blood cells. Although the process took longer, it was twice as effective in terms of impact, making Santos’s donation even more meaningful.

The blood drive was organized by Jaclyn Sarnese and Bryan Scheeler at Atlantic City High School. Jaclyn Sarnese, a biomedical science teacher, emphasized that the students should feel proud of their participation, as their efforts would directly help people in urgent need. Bryan Scheeler, the Red Cross Club advisor, noted that Atlantic City High School traditionally held blood drives each winter and spring.

This year’s spring event surpassed expectations, with students donating more than 30 pints of blood, outdoing the collection from the previous January blood drive. The overwhelming response demonstrated the students' generosity, compassion, and community spirit.

Scheeler also expressed hope that student volunteers would gain valuable insight into the broader work of organizations like the American Red Cross and recognize future opportunities for involvement and service.

The successful event proved that when students are given the right encouragement and opportunities, they can come together to achieve something truly remarkable. Atlantic City High School once again showed that service and education go hand in hand.

The Atlantic City High School American Red Cross Blood Drive served as a shining example of student leadership, volunteerism, and commitment to saving lives.