GMG Advance Biology II class was in charge of the 19th annual blood drive for GMG. There were 242 people registered to donate – an all time high.

Science Instructor Mark Samek stated, “The success of this event was because of the untold hours and tremendous effort put forth by the Advanced Biology II Class. And there are only three students. They are Hannah Hinson, Katy Thompson and Wes Steiner”.

Todd Sears of Life Serve noted, “This is one of the larger ones, typically we take only one cube truck to set up and today we have three here”.

The planning began five weeks ago. The first 100 to sign up came easy – then the endless calls began. Katy Thompson said, “It came with the class. There were only three of us, but we are definitely proud of the results.”

Hannah Hinson said, ” We are proud to be leaders in such an important event. The results benefit so many.” And Wes Steiner added, “It is a big deal. We weren’t nervous, we just called and bugged people until they said yes.”

Mrs. Jen Boerm took time from teaching to donate blood.

Statistics from the drive show that there were 58 first time donors and 209 people interviewed to donate. Two RECORDS were achieved: 31 Double Red and 196 Whole Blood donations! In summary a remarkable 588 lives were potentially saved!

District 36 Senator Jeff Edler was on hand to present a plaque to GMG for their outstanding efforts in relation to the blood drive. He also presented “Outstanding Student Leader Award” to the three student organizers.

Pictured are: Danielle West and Rachel Panzi, Life Serve Blood Center of Iowa representatives; District 36 Iowa Senator Jeff Edler, Wesley Steiner, Mr. Mark Samek, Hannah Hinson, Mr. Mark Polich and Katy Thompson.

Jazmen Stokely is all smiles as she is donating blood for the first time.

Mr. Dan Lastovka donated double red during the blood drive at GMG. He is GMG Instrumental Director.

Mr. Mark Polich went beyond his duties as High School Principal as he donated double red blood. He will be retiring at the end of this school year.