Photo: Danielle Katz
Stephanie Park, Junior at Hutchison School (center), pictured with Hutchison staff, Nick Simpson, Director of the Institute for Responsible Citizenship (left), and Renee Riem, upper school science teacher and Red Cross Club sponsor (right)
Recently, members of the Hutchison School community in Memphis, TN, rolled up their sleeves to give back — together!
Hutchison School, an independent college-preparatory school for girls, partnered with the American Red Cross to host a student-organized blood drive on their campus, and has done so for three years now.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets, according to the Red Cross, who is currently experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. Blood donations are urgently needed to help alleviate the shortage and ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not delayed.
Stephanie Park, junior at Hutchison, has been working with the Red Cross to bring the blood drive to the school, encouraging students, teachers, and parents in the Hutchison community to rally around a common cause to give and save lives. One donation can help save more than one life.
The Red Cross continues to experience critical blood shortages,” says Stephanie, who is passionate about and considering a career in the sciences. “When we started the blood drive, I saw it was a good way to help people whether they’re getting an organ transplant or recovering from a medical emergency and ease the stress that many local hospitals are facing daily.”
Last year, Hutchison donated 38 units of blood which saved as many as 114 lives. Stephanie’s hope was to save as many as 130 lives this year.
"Stephanie approached me early in the fall semester to ask if she could take on the responsibility of organizing the blood drive,” says Renee Riem, upper school science teacher and Red Cross Club sponsor. “Having taught Stephanie since her sophomore year, I already knew she had the heart, work ethic, and organizational skills needed to excel in this role. Even though I knew she was more than qualified, she still impressed me with how seamlessly she took on this leadership position and the initiative she took at each step of the process."
Hutchison had another successful blood drive this year with a total of 32 whole blood products collected from upper school girls, parents, and faculty — equalling 96 units, and 96 lives potentially saved. The Hutchison community is excited to be able to support local hospitals and medical professionals in this way, and proud of Stephanie’s work to bring the blood drive to the school.
Photo: Danielle Katz
Stephanie Park pictured with Alex Wallace, senior at Hutchison
"Stephanie has been extremely organized, excited, and proactive with the planning and coordination of this blood drive,” says Helen Guyton, Hutchison Serves director. “Starting in the fall, she came to me to ensure we had a plan in place and took the initiative to set up the volunteer spreadsheet and talk through other logistics for the day. Stephanie is a service-oriented individual, and this blood drive is just one way she showcases her selfless spirit. She also serves on the Service Learning Council, is a member of a Wilson Society project, and coaches with Girls on the Run. She has made the blood drive easier for me because of her organization and genial disposition. I applaud her efforts!"
To learn more, visit Hutchison School and the American Red Cross.