Cochrane High School won the national Give Life High School Challenge after joining for the first time last September.
The school was top in nation out of more than 200 schools after it recruited the most new donors – 109 – and collected the most blood donations at 545 units.
“It’s incredible – we can’t believe we won and we are just so proud of everyone and want to thank everyone,” said Alexis Miskiewicz-Tomaszyk, the student who helped initiate the challenge at the school.
Spearheaded by six students from Cochrane High, the challenge ran from Sept. 1 to May 31 and invited people in Cochrane and the surrounding area to donate blood. The students were inspired to give back after hearing stories of friend and family members whose lives were saved by blood donations.
“I feel fantastic and very proud of our student ambassadors – they worked very hard and diligently,” said Tracy Lyons, assistant principal for Cochrane High School.
Parts of the campaign included two blood drives hosted at the school, and introducing the importance of giving blood to the biology 20 curriculum.
“I’m over the moon – very proud,” said Stephanie Bennett, a Cochrane High School teacher and challenge organizer.
Calgary’s William Aberhart High School, last year’s challenge winner with 504 units of blood donated, was runner up. Through the challenge, Alberta donated 2,696 units of blood.
Cochrane High School plans to participate again next year.
