High school senior Kaden Mabry successfully coordinated a blood drive partnering with OneBlood as part of his senior community service project at Gray Stone Day School.
Each year, seniors are required to conduct a service project in order to graduate and then present the portfolios to staff and community members.
Mabry selected his project inspired by his sibling who received a blood transfusion at a young age. Originally aiming to collect 20 pints of blood Mabry surpassed expectations by gathering 28 pints, highlighting the strong commitment of his peers, Gray Stone staff and local community to support this vital cause.
The overwhelming turnout not only emphasized the importance of blood donation but also resulted in a need to turn away additional participants due to capacity restraints.
“I was excited to coordinate this project because I wanted to help give back to a need that was life-saving for my sister. There is obviously a desire to donate and the need is great so I hope to coordinate another blood drive soon. I am so thankful for the support I received to make this a success,” said Mabry.
“We are so proud of Kaden’s efforts for not only coordinating and organizing such a successful event, but for raising awareness about the importance of blood donation within our school community. These senior projects are a culmination of our students’ education because it requires them to exhibit the life skills they have learned in high school in addition to the academics,” said Dr. Melissa Smith, senior project director.
Mabry will attend High Point University in the fall, where he will study chemistry with aspirations of entering the pharmaceutical field.