The Coastal Bend Blood Center honored local high school students for helping them save lives.
On Wednesday morning, it held its annual "High School Heroes" award ceremony at the Mansion Royal. Ashley Ramirez with the Blood Center’s Marketing and Public Relations department said 30-percent of the donations it receives comes from blood drives held throughout the school year at our local high schools. The 53 schools across the Coastal Bend held 235 blood drives this school year and collected 10,961 units of blood for the blood center.
Wednesday’s luncheon allows the blood center to show their appreciation. "It is something they (students) look forward to. It’s an opportunity for them to be in competition with other schools and you know how that can go. So, again it’s exciting and it’s an opportunity for us to recognize these local high school students and show our appreciation for everything they’ve done throughout the year for us." Ramirez said.
The blood center passed out 26 awards, including an award for the top school for each division.
In Division 5A, Gregory-Portland High School won first place, Carroll High School won second place, Alice High School won third place. Foy H. Moody and Veterans Memorial High School won Honorable Mention.
Sinton High School won first place in Division 4A. Rockport-Fulton High School won second place, Aransas Pass High School won third place. A.C. Jones High School won Honorable Mention.
In Division 3A, Falfurrias High School won first place, George West High School won second place, Odem High School won third place. Mathis High School won Honorable Mention.
In Division 2A, Freer High School won first place, Woodsboro High School won second place, Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco High School won third place. Three Rivers High School won Honorable Mention.
In Division 1A, Tuloso-Midway Academic Career Center won first place, Cesar E. Chavez High School won second place, Corpus Christi College Preparatory High School won third place. Austwell Tivoli High School won Honorable Mention.
