A technician, above, gives the thumbs-up sign, indicating that the Passaic High School blood drive was a success. Photos by Assata Alston

The three blood drives, sponsored by Health Occupations, have collected 127 pints of blood. This may not sound like a lot, but each and every pint counts. Every pint will be used to save lives. The blood collected from volunteers at PHS will go to local hospitals to be used for trauma victims, surgeries, and blood disorders.

When someone is the victim of trauma, like getting into a car accident, and they lose a lot of blood, donations will go to save that life. If someone is in surgery and they lose a lot of blood, it needs to be replenished. Blood drive donations will save that life. If someone has a blood disease, like Hemophilia, which is a disease that prevents a victim from being able to form a clot, even on a small wound. Victims of this disease can easily bleed to death. Blood drive donations will help save that life.

Therefore, by donating a pint of blood a student is literally saving a life by replenishing their blood supply.

Mrs. Cilento, who puts together this event, said, “I am always so pleased to see how freely the students of PHS give of themselves for others. There are very generous students here.”

Since she is retiring this year, she wanted to make a statement about her tenure at PHS. It follows:

“I have had a rewarding thirty year career working for this school district. I have had the privilege to teach personally interesting subjects. Health Occupations introduces students to the wide variety of careers, found in the health sector. I have taught the GRADS program, mentoring pregnant and young parents. They built skills important to the role of parenting and also help students complete their education and eventually a profession. My favorite role has been the adviser of Teen Pep. This state program creates role models and peer educators in sexual responsibility. Students become like a family and go on to achieve success through the communication and presentation skills they learn. I am grateful for all the wonderful students that have kept me young with their vitality and energy.”
The students of PHS are grateful for the years of service and dedication to their education.

By Adrian Martinez