“Have you ever donated blood?” asks an enthusiastic Mr. Bill Mitchell to students lining up to get their lunches. As the students stare at him in confusion, Mitchell quickly adds, “You know you still have some left right?”

On days leading up to the annual blood drive, this is how Mitchell spends his time, convincing students to participate, exchanging tiny incentives–snacks, free t-shirts, ome time to get out of class–for a small donation that can make a big difference to those in need.

Because of these efforts and similar hard work by student council members, the East Leyden Blood Drive is more successful than ever. This year, the Illinois General Assembly noticed the school’s success with blood drives, and on behalf of the Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers, awarded the “Best High School Blood Drive Coordinator” award to Mitchell. The Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers is a statewide organization of independent community blood centers that increase awareness of the importance of voluntary blood donation. “We commend Bill Mitchell for his selfless service to his community and his strong commitment to his students,” the representative from the Illinois General Assembly announced proudly.

As Mitchell received the award, he quickly turned the recognition to the students who helped the blood drive go smoothly: four-year participants Ashley Boyte, Lukasz Kosakowski, and Noemy Garcia.

After the ceremony, the north gym, as in previous years, was transformed into a mini blood bank filled with students helping fulfill a great cause. Mitchell and student council volunteers watched as their advertisements and marketing campaigns to encourage blood donations paid off.

Mitchell and company know, however, that their enthusiasm and energy will be needed again next year. “The blood donated today will probably be gone by the end of the weekend,” revealed the representative from the Illinois General Assembly. Next year, Mitchell will be around to remind you, “You still have some blood left!”