Cooper hosts fourth annual memorial blood drive

On Friday, March 14, Cooper High School (CHS) hosted its fourth annual Jane Bockhaus Memorial Blood Drive, allowing students and staff to donate blood during the school day.

The drive ran from 8 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. – and every blood donation and volunteering time slot was filled. CHS student volunteers, many of whom participate in National Honor Society, helped check donors in, celebrated completed donations, and ensured the event ran smoothly.

“I want to help. We also just did a blood unit in forensics, and that was fascinating. I want to know what my blood type is, so maybe I can donate more blood,” said CHS senior Lily Schmeltzer.

Each year, CHS hosts three blood drives. With 42 successful donations made on March 14, the total for the 2024-25 school year is 117 donations of blood. That might not sound like much at first, but consider this: the American Red Cross says each blood donation can save up to three lives, which means, so far this school year, the CHS community has potentially helped over 350 people—enough to fill more than 10 full classrooms of students.

The March blood drive is named in honor of former CHS student services staff member Jane Bockhaus, who worked in Robbinsdale Area Schools for 29 years and was an avid blood donor.

“She brought joy, compassion and calm to a space that students often visited in times of need,” said Amanda Lieser, AVID coordinator and teacher at CHS.

Sharon Kilsdonk, a social studies teacher at CHS, echoed Lieser’s sentiments, “Jane was an inspiration. She encouraged us to donate regularly. She was a bright spot and a district employee I really admired.”

Bockhaus’ family members have stayed connected to the blood drive, often donating themselves, along with bringing prizes and stickers for the student donors.