At their fall and winter blood drives, Newkirk High School set school records for the number of people who signed in to give the "gift of life". In November 46 donors signed in and this month 69 donors signed in to donate.

"This has been an overwhelming experience to work with this school," expressed Pixie Rowland, director of the Oklahoma Blood Institute Ponca City Center. "The drive coordinator is Deena Lorett, a NHS teacher. In the planning stages, she selected students to be on the blood drive committee to help with these events. The "Bloodhounds" as they are so aptly called, helped to distribute information, recruit donors, and help at the drives. Lorett has a passion for blood donation and helping others. She has instilled in the students the importance of donating to help someone else."

Oklahoma Blood Institute has a special "Honor Cord Program" for high school students. If a student can donate a minimum of four times before they graduate, OBI will present them with a red cord to wear on their graduation gown along with a certificate. Many of the NHS students will meet the requirements for the award this year which will be presented at the school "Awards Assembly" in May.

"School principal, James Eberts, along with faculty and support staff are to be commended for emphasizing participation in community service projects that truly make a difference for others," said Rowland.

"If students learn these things at a young age it will continue to be a part of their lives forever. Newkirk High School has made a definite impact in making sure that OBI has an adequate supply of blood to meet the needs in the 157 medical facilities that they supply."

The next blood drive at Newkirk High School will be March 9 and the school would like to invite community residents to join their lifesaving team. Oklahoma Blood Institute will set up in the lobby of the gymnasium from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Additional information will be available before the drive.