Mr. Gittens (ColumbusAcademy Instagram) 

The Academy community came together on Wednesday, January 21, for a successful Winter Blood Drive, showing strong support for the American Red Cross through the participation of students, faculty, and staff. Held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Athletic Lobby, the drive resulted in 31 donors contributing 27 units of blood and four units of power red cells. Since each unit of blood can help save up to three lives, the blood collected has the potential to save as many as 81 lives.

Upper School students and faculty donated during free periods and breaks, following Red Cross requirements for age, health, and height-and-weight eligibility. Students under 18 participated by having signed parental-consent forms, while those ineligible to donate supported the event by volunteering through MobileServe, earning in-school service hours. Organizers noted that each donation takes only 15–25 minutes, emphasizing how such a short time commitment can have a significant impact.

The success of the blood drive was made possible through collaboration across the school community. Special thanks to Ms. Bening and Ms. Crain for leading the drive and to Mr. Gittens, Mr. Carter, and Dr. B for their cooperation. By partnering with the American Red Cross, the Winter Blood Drive highlighted Academy’s commitment to service and demonstrated how a collective effort can lead to meaningful, life-saving outcomes.