David Borkosky, a Riverdale High School student, helped save lives by recently hosting an American Red Cross blood drive and earned a $1,000 scholarship as a result of his lifesaving efforts.

As part of the Red Cross Leaders Save Lives winter program, the Riverdale High School student hosted a blood drive at Mount Blanchard United Methodist Church on Dec. 23, which collected 40 blood donations.

As a result, David was entered in a drawing to win a scholarship and was chosen as a winner. He was also awarded a gift card.

“I knew it was a great program for the Red Cross because of my brother’s participation, David said, noting that his older brother preceded him as a host of a Leaders Save Lives blood drive. 

“After he graduated, I was asked to take over his role and I was happy to do it, knowing the impact it has on the community and the need for blood donors.”

Blood donors from high school and college blood drives account for about 20% of donations given through the Red Cross during the school year.

The Leaders Save Lives program encourages community-minded high school and college students to host blood drives to help maintain the blood supply for patients in need of lifesaving transfusions.

As the pandemic wears on in 2021, blood donations remain essential to the health of our communities.

Students can sign up now to participate in the Leaders Save Lives spring program for drives now through May 31, 2021. For more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org/LeadersSaveLives.