The American Red Cross and the Skaneateles Board of Education handed out multiple Recognition for Excellence awards to staff members and students at the board’s Oct. 4 meeting.

“We are very appreciative for the blood drive you allow at your school,” said Lenard Morris, Red Cross Blood Donor Service Director.

The school collected 57 units of blood last year, which equates to about 150 lives saved, Morris said.

The Skaneateles High School has consistently supported blood drives and always has good turnouts, so the recognition was a “pat on the back” from the Red Cross, said Superintendent Phil D’Angelo.

“We are very proud of our work with the American Red Cross,” D’Angelo told the school board.

At the meeting, High School Principal Georgette Hoskins, Interact Club Advisor Karen Price, District Information Officer Lori Ruhlman and High School Nurse Sherry Nichols all were given plaques in recognition of their continued support for Red Cross blood drives in the school.

High school students and Interact Club members Morel Malcom, Mercedes Morales, Madison Singler and Kelly Valente also were recognized for their work with the Red Cross and were awarded certificates of recognition.

“Thank you very much for helping save lives,” Morris said.

Jason Emerson is editor of the Skaneateles Press. He can be reached at [email protected].