POCOMOKE CITY, Md. – Pocomoke High School has reaffirmed its commitment to saving lives across the Delmarva Peninsula through a successful return to hosting blood drives in partnership with the Blood Bank of Delmarva (BBD).
A longtime BBD blood drive partner prior to the pandemic, Pocomoke High School suspended blood drives for a few years. Since coming back, Pocomoke has been a reliable partner, as evidenced by the Warriors’ latest blood drive on Tuesday, April 1. The Pocomoke High School Spring Blood Drive was the third drive this school year, registered 50 donors, and collected a total of 42 units of lifesaving blood products.
“These drives are a vital service to our community, and we’re proud to see Pocomoke students stepping up in such a big way,” said Bryan Shepherd, BBD Account Manager, who has been working closely with Carlton Cartwright, the school’s new blood drive coordinator.
Cartwright, who took the reins after the departure of longtime coordinator Ms. Thomas, called the revival of the program a natural fit. “The secret to our success is the students,” he said. “They take ownership and run with it.”
Leading the charge is junior Maria Victoria, who not only volunteered but also donated at the most recent drive. “She runs the whole thing, and I keep an eye on things,” said Cartwright. Maria was joined by juniors Savannah Bishop and Jayden Mayette and sophomore Cameryn Frese. These young ladies escorted donors to the café, got them refreshments, and kept an eye out for any reactions.
“I learned that doing this helps save lives,” Cameryn said.
“It teaches you communication skills too, like talking to people and getting them what they need,” Savannah added.
While this blood drive naturally attracted several students and staff, local community members also have enjoyed donating at this open blood drive for its convenience deep in one of the southernmost towns of the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
That includes fraternal twins Amanda Marsh and Jason Marsh. They both donated initially at the GSB radio station blood drive held in May 2024. “I’ve been donating ever since,” Amanda said.
“She convinced me to go,” Jason joked. “She told me she was going to the radio station where they were going to have hot dogs, and I said, sure, why not?”
With continued support from student volunteers, staff, and local donors, Pocomoke High School is once again a critical link in the region’s blood supply chain—helping ensure that hospitals across Delmarva have what they need to save lives every day.
