Power of Life Scholarship deadline extended to March 31

NACOGDOCHES (March 9, 2009) – The Blood Center East Texas urges more high school seniors to apply for The Power of Life Scholarship, as the application deadline has been extended to March 31. In 2009, The Blood Center will award three scholarships of $2,000 each to college-bound students in East Texas. 

Students may visit www.givebloodet.org/poweroflife/scholarship.html for requirements and a printable application.  Eligible applicants will be evaluated on essay submissions answering one of three questions about helping save lives by donating blood. Scholarship recipients will be announced in the spring. 

Through The Power of Life program, students take the lead in organizing and marketing their school’s blood drives. They educate their peers about the importance of blood donations and are encouraged to continue making a commitment to donate in the future. As a benefit, scholarships are offered every year to high school seniors in the East Texas region whose schools hold at least two blood drives a year with The Blood Center East Texas. 

Students play a critical role in maintaining a strong blood supply. During the 2007-2008 school year, student-led blood drives accounted for 25 percent of The Blood Center’s mobile collections. Individuals who Commit for Life and give blood at least once a quarter are key to maintaining a strong blood supply, and The Power of Life lays the foundation for the Commit for Life donors of tomorrow.

To view photos, videos and stories spotlighting the life-saving efforts of local students, visit www.myspace.com/poweroflifetx. 

ABOUT US: The Blood Center East Texas is asking its donors to Commit for Life.  It takes three simple steps: 1) Donate once per quarter; 2) allow The Blood Center to contact you; and 3) spread the word, encouraging others to Commit for Life. The Blood Center East Texas is the primary supplier of blood products to hospitals and healthcare facilities in the six counties surrounding Lufkin and Nacogdoches. Donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good general health. 

For additional information, call 1(888) 433-1733, or visit our Web site at www.givebloodet.org  The Blood Center East Texas, an affiliate of Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, is an independent, nonprofit blood center and is not affiliated with the American Red Cross.