WHS graduate honored by Red Cross

Kassi Blood DrivesA 2013 graduate of Whitehall High School has been honored for her work organizing a number of local blood drives.

The American Red Cross has announced that Kassi VanGuilder is the recipient of a $4,200 scholarship for sponsoring four separate blood drives in the community.

“Blood drives are important to me because it is an easy way to help save many lives. Just one pint of blood can potentially help up to three people. And I’d like to think that if I was ever in need someone would help me,” VanGuilder said.

During the past year, VanGuilder organized and recruited blood donors for blood drives held at Whitehall High School and Elks Lodge 1491. She worked closely with Ray Downs of the Elks Club and Chris Palmer, music teacher at the school, to coordinate the blood drives.

Her efforts resulted in the collection of 234 units of blood, potentially helping to save the lives of over 702 patients, according to a statement released by the Red Cross.

An honor student at Whitehall, VanGuilder will be attending SUNY Plattsburgh this fall.