The North County HS Spring Blood Drive took place on February 25th, 2026 in the old gym. In January 2026, the American Red Cross declared a severe national blood shortage following a 35% drop in inventory over one month, driven by widespread flu and extreme weather. The crisis prompted urgent calls for donations of all types, particularly platelets and type O blood, to support patients, trauma victims, and cancer patients. 

Due to the crisis, the American Red Cross urged businesses, schools, and communities to donate for those in need. “This time of year is always challenging for blood collection — but right now, the perfect storm of a long holiday season, record flu activity and winter weather are all impeding donation efforts,” said Dr. Courtney Lawrence, executive medical director for the Red Cross. “Every person’s blood donation can help save lives — plus you help ease the tremendous burden on our doctors and nurses, allowing them to focus on caring for patients.” Intense winter weather and freezing temperatures are expected across much of the country in the upcoming weeks, which will potentially delay or cancel blood drives and force vital units of blood to be uncollected. Last month alone, about 400 blood drives were impacted due to extreme winter weather — this is more than three times the number of those affected during the same time the previous year. As a result, thousands of blood donations went uncollected.

This year, I participated in our school’s blood drive. Before the blood drive you had to fill out a form via QR code, and if you are 16 and under you had to fill out a parental consent form. Once you arrived in the old gym, you would sign in and show the people your ID or student ID. After signing in you’d be directed to sit in an area of chairs before being called over to a small table. The table had a “box wall” over 2 of the sides for confidentiality. While at the table a Red Cross worker would ask your name, DOB, and for your (student) ID. Then they’d take your blood pressure and hemoglobin count. 

After that, they’d ask you a series of questions, and then step away while you filled out a questionnaire. It’s very important to be honest in the questionnaire; if you have the cold/flu, HIV/AIDs, hepatitis B or C, have had recent tattoo’s, traveled to areas with Malaria, have a history of certain cancers or have done IV drug use you could be disqualified from donating your blood. You also must be in good health, be 16-17 years old and weigh at least 110 lbs. After you’re finished with the questions, you’ll be led over to an area with multiple cots to sit on. They’ll ask if you have a preferred arm to draw from or not, give you a juice to drink, and find a vein after you’ve drank the juice; a tourniquet will be tied above your elbow and they’ll hand you something to squeeze before inserting the needle into your vein. If you’re wearing long-sleeves, make sure they can be pulled above your elbow. 

During the donating process, you can chat with other donors, read, or be on your phone.  You’ll have to sit in that spot, occasionally squeezing the object until you fill up the bag of blood. The amount of time it takes to fill the bag of blood can vary per-person; I believe mine took around 5-6 minutes. After you fill the bag, they’ll pinch the line and fill up 5 more vials with your blood. After the blood-drawing process they put a cloth on the spot, put a bandage on it and tie red tape around it. Then you’re sent to a table with water and snacks for 15 minutes to monitor you in case of fainting or dizziness happening. 

Absolutely make sure to eat something before getting your blood drawn. You have to wait about 2-4 hours before taking off the wrap/bandage, and make sure to clean the area with soap and water to prevent rashes. Make sure to drink water for the next 24-48 hours, avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for the rest of the day and do not consume alcohol. If  bleeding occurs: Apply pressure to the site and raise your arm straight up for 5-10 minutes. If you become dizzy, sit down immediately with your feet elevated until it passes. And if you are driving, you should pull over until it passes.

Romantic comedies, or romcoms, have a way of turning love into unforgettable moments. In 10 Things I Hate About You, Patrick sings on the school bleachers to win Kat over, and in The Notebook, a kiss in the rain becomes one of the most iconic romantic scenes in film. Movies like 13 Going on 30 show love as something that was meant to be all along, while Pretty Woman and The Proposal build relationships through unexpected situations that quickly turn into romance. Even in 27 Dresses (my favorite honestly), the story centers on the idea that someone might finally notice the person who’s been there all along. These scenes are memorable because they highlight big emotions, bold gestures, and the exciting “movie moments” that make romcoms so fun to watch.

In real life, romance often looks a little different, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful. Instead of dramatic rain kisses or surprise musical performances, real relationships are usually built through smaller, everyday actions - checking in on someone, supporting each other, or sharing simple moments together. The excitement of romcoms can still feel relatable because many of their themes - friendship turning to love, unexpected connections, or realizing how much someone means to you - do happen in real life. The difference is that these moments are usually quieter and happen over time. Romcoms may exaggerate romance for the screen, but they also capture the hopeful idea that meaningful connections can grow in surprising ways.

Valentine's day is a day for love. This is a day where people bond and get to experience extra love. Though people think Valentine's day is only to be shared with a significant other, it’s not. Many people love to share valentines day with friends and family. Here at North County Valentines week gets its own spirit week, and we love watching everyone participate. 

Our spirit week theme was amazing, let’s see what Knights SHOWED OUT!!

Monday: Hearts galore

Tuesday:The Perfect Pair

Wednesday: On Wednesday we wear pink

Thursday: Love being crazy

Friday: Cupid’s Day 

President’s day is a widely forgotten holiday in American culture today; it is the official day celebrating Abraham Lincoln’s and George Washington’s birthday, celebrated on February 16th. It is considered a national holiday, with a day off from most government jobs and schools closed on this day as well. This year, it resulted in a much anticipated three-day weekend for students. 

While most students spend their extra day off school relaxing, spending time with family or friends, or working, either in their communities or at their jobs, there are some other ways President’s Day is celebrated across the country. Some avid patriots enjoy re-enactments, either watching them, or acting them, for retail, it is a major discounting weekend, to promote shoppers, and finally, museums and educational centers offer free and special tours to families! While Presidents Day is not one of the most popular holidays of all time, it gives Americans a way to show their love for America.