Cincinnati, Ohio, February 20, 2019 – Love was definitely in the air on Valentine’s Day at Saint Ursula Academy. Students showed their love for others while supporting Hoxworth Blood Center by spending time during the day donating blood.
The Annual Blood Drive at SUA was organized by Saint Ursula Academy student Julia Fischesser ’19 of Colerain Township. More than 60 people signed up to donate blood during this year’s drive. While not everyone was able to donate due to time restrictions, the overwhelming response to the event was appreciated by Hoxworth Blood Center and, more importantly, by those who will receive the donations. In all, 43 units of blood were collected, which may be donated to 129 different people!
Julia worked
with Hoxworth Blood Center and other committee members to coordinate the events
of the day. Committee members encouraged
students to sign up, supported students who were nervous about their donation,
and thanked each student for participating while reminding them that their
individual donation could help save the lives of three people.
When asked about the day, Julia responded, “My absolute favorite part was hearing the little comments from the donors about how good it feels knowing their single pint of blood can help save up to three lives. Just 20 minutes out of their lives can mean the world to someone else, and that is the most rewarding part.”
Julia is hopeful that the blood drives will be even bigger and better at SUA after she graduates. She understands the desire for SUA students to “build a better world” and believes that the committee members who aren’t graduating this year will continue to host this important event.
Anna Overberg ’19 of Eastgate was one of the first students to arrive at the blood donation center at SUA on Thursday. When asked why she was participating, she commented, “I want to help others. If giving blood can save lives, why wouldn’t I take a few minutes out of my day to do that?”
Committee members who helped make the drive a success include: Isabella Houchens ’19 of Monfort Heights, Katie Schwettman ’19 of Anderson Township, Carly Bisher ’19 of Cleves, Alina Florio ’20 of Union Township, Celia Nusekabel ’19 of Miamitown, Kimi Dryden ’19 of Miami Heights, Addy Somerville ’19 of Amelia, Reese McNulty ’21 of Montgomery, Tiernan Lindy ’19 of Anderson Township , Rosemary Sammarco ’22 of Hyde Park, Kiran Vrishabhendra ’21 of Anderson Township, Liza Ragland ’20 of Hyde Park, Ally Freimark ’20 of Mt. Lookout, Kate Dingeldein ’20 of North Avondale, Mackenzie Pulte ’20 of Mt. Lookout, Alexandra Leurck ’19 of Hyde Park, and Reilly Dolan ’21 of Hyde Park.
Saint Ursula Academy is a
Catholic, college-preparatory, secondary school for young women known for
academic excellence and rich tradition. Saint Ursula welcomes students from
more than 90 grade schools in the Greater Cincinnati area. The Academy is recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School. The campus, located at 1339 E.
McMillan Street in East Walnut Hills has been the home of Saint Ursula Academy
and Convent since 1910. The Class of 2018 earned college scholarships totaling
more than $21-million.
Photo caption: Saint Ursula students Anna Haught ’19 of Hyde Park, Isabella Houchens ’19 of Monfort Heights, and Katie Schwettman ’19 of Anderson Township participated in the Blood Drive held at Saint Ursula Academy on Valentine’s Day.