By: Jerrica Williams, American Red Cross
“I just like helping people,” said Consuela Borders, winner of an American Red Cross Sickle Cell Fighter High School Scholarship. It was that servant’s heart that inspired Borders to host blood drives at her high school, earning her school a spot in the top 10 across the country. In fact, Georgia had four of the 10 scholarship winners during the 2022-2023 school year.
The Red Cross Sickle Cell Fighter High School Scholarship Program offers students the chance to learn about the importance of donating lifesaving blood and using those skills to help others in need. This student scholarship program, open to all grades 9-12, rewards high schools that successfully collect blood from Black or African American donors with the goal of supporting sickle cell patients by diversifying the blood supply.
Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disorder in the United States. It is estimated that more than 100,000 people in the country have sickle cell disease. Patients, the majority of whom are of African, Latin, and Mediterranean descent, may need blood transfusions throughout their lifetime, with some requiring closely compatible blood to avoid complications. Having a diverse blood supply is important to improving the health of these populations and saving lives.
The top ten high schools in the country that host at least one blood drive and collect the most units from donors who self-identify as African American are each awarded a $5,000 student scholarship. The four winning schools in Georgia include:
Aspen Demps, who is now a junior at McDonough High School, won the Sickle Cell Fighter Scholarship as a sophomore and has been assisting with hosting blood drives for two years in a row. As varsity cheer captain, a member of FBLA, National Beta Club, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and a member of Future Health Professionals (HOSA), she is very well known and enjoys making a difference at her school. “I get to use my leadership roles to influence my peers around school to donate blood. That’s important to me.” Demps is an aspiring HBCU student, hoping to attend Florida A&M University or North Carolina A&T, and plans to host blood drives while continuing her education. She also plans to join the medical field after graduating from college.
As of November 2023, five Georgia high schools are currently in the top ten for the 2023-2024 school year. McDonough High School is in the lead with 43 pints collected so far.
Douglas County High School graduate, Consuela Borders, is currently a freshman at the University of West Georgia studying nursing. She received the scholarship during her senior year for her participation in hosting blood drives at her high school. “I was crying…this scholarship made a huge impact on me,” said Borders when she learned she had won. “I like engaging in community-wide activities that will impact somebody in the long run,” she said when asked why she participates in hosting blood drives, “Some people say they are scared of needles but when you explain to them the lives they could impact, that gives them more motivation to donate.” After graduating college, Borders plans to be a NICU traveling nurse inspired by her niece who was born with cerebral palsy.
To be eligible for this school year’s scholarship, high schools must host blood drives between July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024. Representatives from the school determine the scholarship student recipient based on Red Cross-recommended criteria.
For more information on how you can get involved, please visit redcrossblood.org/scfscholarship
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!
