The Gift that Keeps on Giving

The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Opinion Editor
By Arnold Canela
Leadership asks Jaguars for a small red donation

    Many South East High School students are already thinking about winter break. Thinking about what to do, where to go, or what they are going to receive over vacation. While many students are thinking about the future, SEHS leadership is thinking about the present by organizing a blood drive. On the 17th of December there will be a blood drive at SEHS for the patients of Providence Medical Center in Los Angeles. The blood drive will be held in the SEHS gym from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Also donors receive a complimentary gift.
    But before donors receive a complimentary gift there are a few requirements. Students must have good health and must weigh at least 110 lbs. If students want to donate and are under 16 they must have they parent or guardian sign a consent paper. If they are over 17 then they don’t need a consent paper, but must have valid photo identification. Before donating blood it is essential to drink plenty of water and eat a nutritious meal.
    There are some health issues that can prevent the donating of blood like having cold symptoms, a fever or flu, or having Gonorrhea. If students have gotten a tattoo in the last 12 months or had a tooth extracted in the past 3 days then they can’t donate blood. Having serious health issues such as being pregnant, having HIV/AIDS, or having Leukemia also prohibits donation.
    So, why donate? One person’s donation of blood can save up to three people’s lives. And since the drive will be located in the SEHS gym it will be easier for people to donate because of convenience. First students must sign up with Leadership and they will ask they what time they would like to donate. If it is during school hours then they will be escorted out of class depending on their appointment. And after they donate they will be handed a pass to return to class.
     Senior Vice President Lucia Gomez said, “Please come show some school spirit and help out your Leadership class by signing up to donate because when they take the decision to donate, they can possibly save up to 3 lives.”