Students at Archbishop Ryan donate blood. Photo submitted by Archbishop Ryan High School.

Students at Archbishop Ryan High School have gave the gift of life last week. For more than 10 years the students at Ryan have been donating blood and have consistently achieved their goal of 125 pints per year. This year they are at it again. The first of two blood drives was held last Tuesday, and the students fully expect to exceed last year’s donation.

At Ryan, students ages 17 or older may participate in the drive by registering in advance and receiving approval from teachers to miss two classes — allowing time for screening, donating and replenishing. For some, donating means that there will be no athletic practice after school due to the post-donation restrictions.

Though students have different reasons for wanting to donate, senior Jack McPeak said it best: “I give because I can, so I feel it’s my responsibility to give blood.”

-Submitted by Archbishop Ryan High School