The Academy of Mount St. Ursula helped save lives by hosting their 2nd Annual Blood Drive last month for students, faculty, and staff.
The New York Blood Center, which services over 200 NY and NJ hospitals, as well as delivers to other facilities on an emergency need basis, hosted the event that has been in planning for weeks.
To ensure its organization and efficiency all the girls wishing to contribute were asked to sign up ahead of time, and assigned designated times, during a free, gym or lunch period, to donate.
“I feel pretty good about this,” said 16-year-old Mayra Petrovich, who donated blood for the first time. “Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have been able get this done so its really good they come to the school.”
Following legal requirements, students age 17 that signed up, submitted a permission slip, and two consent forms for those ages 16.
In total, of the 380 students at Mt. St. Ursula, over 40 girls signed up to contribute towards the blood drive.
“The school motto is ‘serviam’ for ‘I will serve,’ and this is a concrete example,” said president of Mt. St. Ursula, Father John A. Vigilanti. “It teaches young women how to use their skills, talents, and contributions for the greater good of others.”
Each spring, the NY Blood Center hosts an award ceremony for the schools and organizations that donate. Last year Ursula sent student representatives to accept the silver star, but this year hope to receive the gold star for their efforts.
“The girls here are very good and this school has a strong history of tradition,” said Fr. Vigilanti.
