To the Editor: Local high school senior Sydney Richardson demonstrated outstanding leadership by hosting a scholarship blood drive in Wessington Springs, resulting in an extremely successful event, and earning her a $500 scholarship.
On August 12, 2025, a total of 48 donors presented, with 45 eligible to give, and 54 units of lifesaving blood products were collected. These donations will help sustain or save the lives of up to 162 patients in need!
Wessington Springs has a long tradition of students stepping forward to organize and lead blood drives, and their efforts truly make a difference. By recruiting new donors, welcoming back lapsed donors, and engaging those who already give, students like Sydney help ensure the blood supply is strong for patients across South Dakota. Sydney did an outstanding job, and her leadership will have a lasting impact.
LifeServe Blood Center is the largest blood provider in South Dakota, supplying blood to 41 hospitals across the state, including Avera Weskota Memorial Hospital in Wessington Springs. Donations given at drives like this one often directly impact the lives of neighbors, friends, and family members in local communities.
First-Time Donors: Braylon Kirchhevel, Caleb Kneen, Bret Miller, Jacob Richardson, Katie Richardson, Jeremiah Troudt, Joshua Tucker, Russell Willman Milestone Celebrations: 1 Galloneer – Rick Tebay, Wade Klein, Marcy Argo, Kasie Sealey 2 Galloneer – Kyle Everson, Morgan Tebay 3 Galloneer – Felipe Campos 4 Galloneer – Bethany Nuhsbaumer Upcoming Wessington Springs Blood Drive Wednesday October 15 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sponsored by Wessington Springs High School at Wessington Springs Rec Center
About the Scholarship Program
LifeServe Blood Center offers students the opportunity to earn scholarships by coordinating blood drives in their communities. To qualify, individual scholarship drives must take place during increased-need months— December, January, and May through September. Abbie Arneson Territory Representative LifeServe Blood Center