Two Temecula Area High Schools Awarded $2000 Grants In Recognition of Their Commitment to Making a Difference in Life

Murrieta Valley High School has taken one of the top prizes in the “San Diego Blood Bank High School Challenge.”  The school hosted four blood drives over the course of the year, collecting 516 pints of blood. These outstanding results earned them first place in their region in the “Most Pints Collected” category, earning them a $2000 education grant for their efforts. 

In the “Performance Ratio” category Temescal Canyon High School in Lake Elsinore took top honors recruiting an impressive 120.3% as blood donors during four blood drives. A school’s performance ratio is based on the number of eligible donors who give blood and is calculated by taking into account the number of students in the senior class, thus giving smaller schools a chance at winning a top prize.  The school also received a $2000 education grant for their outstanding performance.

In addition, two students in the region received $500 scholarships for their winning essays encouraging high school students to consider making a difference in life by donating blood.  Cara O’Connor-Combs is a student at Murrieta Valley High School, and Brandilyn Evans is a student at Vista Murrieta High School.

The San Diego Blood Bank High School Challenge was created in 2004 to raise awareness about blood donation and increase the participation of young blood donors at local high schools.

Anyone who is at least 17 years old, in generally good health and weighs at least 110 pounds may qualify to donate blood.  To make an appointment or for more information about the San Diego Blood Bank, please call 1-800-4MY-SDBB or visit www.sandiegobloodbank.org.