On Mon., Feb. 24 2014, Bel Air High School held a blood drive sponsored by HOPE Club.

Students, teachers and staff members were encouraged to participate in the event. Students, however, had to be at least 16 years of age or older.

The event started at 7:30 A.M. and ended at 1:00 P.M. All participants were encouraged to eat a hearty breakfast before the event.

The first participant to give blood was BAHS’s own, Social Studies teacher Mr. Ryan Doyle. A frequent donor, Mr. Doyle likes to see how quickly he can get the process done. At his last donation, Mr. Doyle clocked in at 6 minutes. In Monday’s drive, he came out with a new personal best of 5 minutes and 45 seconds.

An amazing number of students attended and donated as well, each with different reasons and justifications for their good deed. “I feel morally obligated,” explained Senior Caleb Graham. “It’s the little things. A blood transfusion saved my mom’s life.” Another Senior, Kaliopi Skevofilax, added, “Well, someone needs [the blood] and I don’t. I want to help someone who needs it. It could save a life.”

After the donation, participants could sit down, drink cranberry juice and have a snack to keep from getting lightheaded. “I wasn’t really expecting to, but I feel fine,” said Senior Jash Shah between bites of a granola bar. Shah was the first student to complete the donation.

The event was a major success. Other than some dizziness upon standing, no serious side effects of blood donation took a toll. Congratulations to all the Bobcats who decided to anonymously help someone in a drastic way.