Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Dec. 10, 2024) — The American Red Cross of Utah is proud to celebrate the extraordinary efforts of Cyerra Spencer, a Ridgeline High School student whose dedication to saving lives has earned her a $1,000 scholarship. Through the Leaders Save Lives program, Cyerra organized a successful blood drive, bringing lifesaving donations to patients in critical need.
The Leaders Save Lives program empowers high school and college students to create meaningful change by organizing blood drives during school breaks. This unique initiative not only gives students a chance to save lives but also helps them develop leadership skills and earn scholarships. Cyerra’s achievement highlights how young leaders can inspire change and make an impact. Learn more at redcrossblood.org/LeadersSaveLives.
“Hosting the blood drive was my way of making a meaningful impact,” said Cyerra, a senior at Ridgeline High School who plans to attend Utah State University in the fall. “I wanted to reach more people and inspire them to join this lifesaving effort. I started donating blood during my sophomore year, and it was such a rewarding experience. My hope was to ignite that same passion in others and show them how powerful giving can be.”
Leaders Save Lives Program and Scholarships
Leaders Save Lives encourages students to host blood drives during key collection periods, such as school holidays, when blood donations are often critically needed. Participants earn volunteer hours and leadership experience and are eligible for gift cards and scholarship opportunities if they collect 25 or more pints of blood.
“Cyerra’s commitment demonstrates the power of young people to rally their communities for a lifesaving cause,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “We hope her story inspires other students to host blood drives and the community to support these students’ efforts by donating blood. Your generosity can save lives this holiday season.”
Upcoming Leaders Save Lives Blood Drives
The Red Cross invites the community to support student-led drives this December and January. Upcoming blood drives in Utah include:
Make a Difference This Holiday Season
Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Special rewards are available for those who give blood during this time. Donors between Dec. 16 and Jan. 3, 2025, will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last. Additionally, donors contributing between Jan. 1 and Jan. 26, 2025, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. For more details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Gifts and RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.