To kick off November, Wahlert students braved needles and nausea to help save lives, skip class, and eat a cookie or two.

Owen Borelli who turned sixteen the day before, just made the cut to donate blood to the American Red Cross school blood drive on Nov. 2nd.

“My mom always gives blood,” Borelli, ‘18, said. “I wanted to try it, so I could help people.”

Lela Udry, ‘17, had similar thoughts. “I wanted to donate blood partially because of the constant need for it in hospitals,” Udry said, “but I also wanted to conquer my fear of having my blood drawn.”

Planning the blood drive is one of the main responsibilities of Student Senate. Senate members organized the entire drive, which included planning when people come in for appointments.

“We like to give back to the community,” said Senate member Adria Kunkel, ‘16. “It’s important to be aware of giving blood because high school donations provide a good portion of blood for transfusions.”

The drive was not only a success for the American Red Cross but also for many students who donated.

“Most people are satisfied, happy and without much pain,” Kunkel said at the end of the day.

“I was nervous about how I’d react,” Borelli said, “but it went pretty well.”

Lela agreed. “Surprisingly, I felt fine,” Udry said. “The cookies helped.”

Students will have another opportunity to donate blood in Feb. 8 for the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center.

“The experience was definitely worth it,” Udry said. “I conquered one of my fears, and I helped people while doing it. It’s a really worthy cause, and I was happy to be a part of it.”