South students give back

Valley Stream South High School continued its tradition of giving back to the community with its annual, highly-attended service week, a seven-day program in which South students commit small and large acts of kindness to better Valley Stream and surrounding neighborhoods.

On April 22, South’s National Honor Society hosted a blood drive, with the goal of collecting 100 pints of blood, and with more than 100 student donors, the school reached its goal. Senior Debbie Medina said this was the third time she’s given blood since October, and though she fainted the last time, she was motivated to try again on Thursday. “I didn’t want to be selfish,” Medina said. “But there are people who need it more. If my blood pressure goes down, I’ll drink some cranberry juice and I’ll be fine.”

Medina, who is in the Key Club and participated in other parts of service week, said the week-long program showed her that students can always put aside a little time to give back. “I’m too busy is always the excuse,” she said. “I’m glad a lot of students learned that they don’t have to wait for a week in April to give back.”

Shanti Gibson, a senior, said that she gave blood because of a personal experience. “My mom had cancer,” she said, “so for her treatment, she needed blood.”

Gibson noted that this was her first time she donated, but the feeling she got in return made it worthwhile. “I feel amazing,” Gibson said after giving blood. “It just made me feel great.”

Last Thursday afternoon, students from Project Green and the Science Honor Society planted more than 150 impatiens around the school, while others walked around the track to raise money for Hewlett House. Kristen Wraith, president of Project Green, said she started the group in 10th grade after noticing how little the school recycled. “I’ve always been a green nerd,” she said. “We just want to beautify South and make a difference.”