Lake Oconee Academy students, staff and community members came together on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, for a remarkable day of service as the LOA Beta Club partnered with the American Red Cross to host the annual blood drive in the Lower School Gym.
Thanks to the incredible response from donors, all appointment slots for the blood drive were filled in advance, allowing the school to make a meaningful impact on the ongoing need for lifesaving blood donations in our community.
The drive was organized and led by the LOA Beta Club under the guidance of Kris M. Stevens, Ed.S., Science Instructional Coordinator for Grades 5–12 and Beta Club sponsor. Students worked alongside Red Cross staff members to welcome donors, assist with logistics, and promote awareness about the importance of giving blood.
“The need for blood is constant and hosting this drive gives our students a powerful opportunity to serve others in a very real way,” said Stevens. “Our Beta Club members stepped up with maturity, responsibility and compassion. We are incredibly proud of their leadership and the generosity of our LOA community.”
The American Red Cross emphasized the importance of school-hosted blood drives, noting that nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every two to three seconds. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood for patients in need, making events like LOA’s drive especially critical.
“Community-hosted blood drives like this one at Lake Oconee Academy are essential to maintaining a safe and stable blood supply,” shared a representative from the American Red Cross. “We are grateful for the partnership with LOA and the commitment shown by its students, staff and donors.”
For Beta Club students, the blood drive represented more than just a service project. It marked an opportunity to live out the club’s mission of leadership, character and service.
“Hosting the blood drive helped us see how even small actions can make a big difference,” shared Beta Club student volunteer Grace Kalmanowicz (10th Grade). “Knowing that our work could help save someone’s life makes it really meaningful for all of us.”
The success of the January 13th blood drive reflects Lake Oconee Academy’s ongoing commitment to service learning and community engagement. By empowering students to lead initiatives that directly impact others, LOA continues to foster a culture of responsibility, empathy and purpose.
LOA extends sincere thanks to the American Red Cross, Kris M. Stevens, the Beta Club students, and every donor who participated. Together, they helped ensure that lifesaving resources reach those who need them most. When Titans serve, lives are changed.