The annual Blood Drive was held on March 5 in the Big gym throughout the day. Students had the opportunity to help the cause by donating during one of their classes.

"We had a lot of new people come who had never done it before," junior Greg Felock said. "It was really great see so many people come out."

Students were required to sign up previous to giving blood. However, as the day progressed students were allowed to come and volunteer. For some students, giving blood has a meaning that hits a little closer to home than others.

"My grandpa had to get a blood transfusion so I felt like I should give blood to help save lives," Maggie Rube said.

Howell North's speech and debate team finished up one of their last competitions yesterday at the

"Overall we did good for a starting-out team, considering we made it all the way to the National Qualifiers," coach Theresa Maher said.

Groenweghe and Blanchard made in through three rounds of the debate category. Holmes, who made it through two rounds, and Kelly, who made it through three rounds, competed in the dramatic interpret ion category. All of the students felt passionate about the work they did.

"[My favorite part was] taking someone else's piece and making it as dramatic as I wanted," Kelly said.

Next weekend will be the last stop for the team at the District Finals.

While the students used their own talent and skill to make it though the competition they felt very thankful for those who supported them.

"Maher is a wonderful coach and all of the speech and debate people would like to thank her for all that she does," Kelly said.