Thursday, October 1, 2026
Students at Seaford High School rolled up their sleeves to help save lives during the student council’s annual blood drive on March 6 in the school gymnasium.
The event, held in partnership with the New York Blood Center, drew more than 80 student donors throughout the day. Several teachers and staff members also stopped by during free periods to support the region’s blood supply.
Student council members helped run the drive under the direction of advisers Tania Cintorino and Savannah Weilert. Juniors and seniors signed in donors while freshmen and sophomores served as escorts, guiding students to donation stations and later to a snack table with water, juice, cookies and chips.
Students were eligible to donate if they were at least 17, or 16 with parental permission.
At the donation stations, participants could give a pint of blood, while specialized machines separated some donations into components. The machines collected two units of red blood cells while returning plasma and platelets to the donor.
This year’s theme was “Raise a green flag on saving lives,” using green — the color associated with “go” — to encourage people to stop making excuses and take the step to donate blood.
“The blood drive brings people together who want to help the community,” student council President Olivia Anzelone said. Senior Carmelo Riccobono donated blood for the second time, motivated by a personal experience after his father needed blood following an injury about five years ago.
“That’s why I donate,” he said. “I recognize the importance of it. It’s just something good to do for people who need it.” Senior Brian Falk said donating blood gives him a chance to help others. “I donate blood because it’s special to me that I have the opportunity to save lives,” he said.
