Twice a year, the health science classes organize a blood drive as an opportunity for students to learn more about blood and the importance of donations. But the October 18 blood drive was like no other before it; it was organized in honor of Matt McKnight, a masonry teacher at Davie High School who we lost earlier this year. In the way that McKnight gave to his students and the community through his teaching, this blood drive gave students and community members an opportunity to save lives through donations.
Many health science students had the chance to volunteer and donate blood for the first time. Mary Jordan, a health science student who was one of the 33 first-time blood donors, is grateful for the experience.
“It’s really cool that the school offers that,” Jordan said. ”My first time was at the school.”
Katie Lewis, current EMT and past health science student, was one of the many volunteers who helped check in blood donors. She said she was proud to be a part of a blood drive for Mr. McKnight and remembered him fondly.
“He always knew their [his students] potential, and he always pushed them to be the very best that they could be, regardless of what they thought of themselves,” Lewis said.
Susan Marion, an ESL teacher and frequent blood donor, says she first gave blood about 40 years ago as a student at Davie High School.
“My favorite part about donating blood is knowing that it’s helping people,” Marion said. “It’s a great thing to be able to help others.” Marion said that McKnight was the type of person who would “always have a smile on his face, say ‘hey’ to you in the hallway and could brighten your day.”
Kerstin Steinour, early childhood education teacher, is also a frequent blood donor. While waiting in line to donate, she tells me one of the reasons she’s a blood donor is “knowing that it can help save somebody’s life.” She grew close to McKnight during his time at the high school.
“Kids loved him,” Steinour said. “He had such a huge impact on them, teaching life skills not just in the classroom but out of the classroom.”
Health science teacher Angela Reeves, who organized this drive, said the inspiration to dedicate the blood drive to McKnight came from a recognition of the generosity he showed to others.
“He’s been such an integral part of the whole school, creating that giving atmosphere of the school,” Reeves said. “That was a part of his character and his heart.”
A blood drive can’t compare to everything that Matt McKnight gave to our community, but it has served as a reminder of and an opportunity to honor his commitment to his students, the school, and beyond.
