Three seniors were awarded the Poplar Bluff High School Blood Drive Scholarship.
Olivia Kirkman, Emily Lovette and Salah McCormick all met the requirements of attending PBHS their senior year, planning to attend an accredited college or university within the country, remaining in good academic standing and generally being good citizens. All three have been involved in multiple student and community groups throughout their high school careers.
Kirkman’s senior year activities included serving on the Leadership Team for Student Council and working as student body treasurer and Mule Barn co-leader. She has volunteered 64 hours at Red Cross Blood Drives from 2018 until present.
She credits her time with the Red Cross for helping her grow as a person.
“Doing things like food running and helping to schedule appointments have helped me to improve my organizational and time management skills... Standing beside people donating and even holding their hands while they do so has given me so much more compassion,” she said.
She believes it also gave her an understanding of civic responsibility, public service and interpersonal communication.
Lovette spent her senior year as the student body president, Future Business Leader of America vice president of communication, Senior BETA Club social media coordinator and the blood drive coordinator for Student Council. She has volunteered 80 hours with the Red Cross since her freshman year.
“Through service-learning, I have developed strong leadership and communication skills, a strong work ethic, as well as a heart for service, especially through my work with the Red Cross. These qualities and service-learning experiences have inspired me to work in family law, with children in the foster care system,” Lovette explained.
She added her Red Cross service built up her confidence, and she values the knowledge that her efforts helped save lives.
McCormack ran with varsity cross country and varsity track & field all throughout high school. Her other school activities included Mule Barn, BETA club and Student Council. She has served eight hours volunteering at blood drives.
For McCormack, the Red Cross honed her desire to help her community.
“Improving my drive to do community service helps me to make the world a better place and makes me a more compassionate person,” she said. “Community service is one of my favorite parts of life.”
She believes volunteering is “mentally beneficial,” improving lives and communities.