Jessica Lu, news editor
The Red Cross Club was granted a banner from the American Red Cross in the Los Angeles region to recognize its standing and completion of services and events as part of the Banner Up! youth incentive program.
The requirements to achieve this honor included coordinating a preparedness education presentation, hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive and preparing a fundraising event for the Red Cross. Additionally, clubs must either participate in a community outreach event or prepare a puppet show for children.
“It felt amazing,” Club Representative Upsana Mannur said about receiving the banner. “All our hard work paid off. I never thought I would get something out of participating, but I learned a lot about event planning and community outreach.”
Though the team was happy to receive the banner, President Shayna Eshmoili said the event was also expected upon the club’s completion of the specific criteria.
“It wasn’t much of a surprise because we completed all the requirements,” Eshmoili explained.
Coordinators of the Banner Up! program and other American Red Cross employees plan to present the club with the official banner within the upcoming weeks. Principal Carter Paysinger and other administrators are invited to the ceremony, which will take place either at the school or in the district office, depending on time constraints.
“It feels nice to be recognized,” Eshmoili said. “It’s a kind gesture from the Red Cross.”
The Club recently hosted an Emergency-Preparedness Booth at Open House on Thursday, April 3, which educated primarily eighth graders about how to handle disasters. The booth offered booklets, prizes and snacks, all contributing to the club goal of attracting new recruits for next year.
“We are definitely focused on recruiting more members,” Mannur said. “We would love to share the opportunity for students to get involved in community service with a worldwide organization.”
Mannur also explained what prospective club members could expect from joining the club.
“Future members can definitely look forward to a new and gratifying experience,” Mannur said. “It is fun to work with other high schools for a common cause: helping the needy.”
The Red Cross Club is now able to add additional recognition seals to the banner, ranging from bronze to gold, with the completion of additional services and events.
“We will continue to serve through the American Red Cross and plan to expand into new territory with more community events in and around Beverly Hills,” Eshmoili said.
Mannur added that the team had its last meeting April 29, and a few members can apply for summer internships with the Red Cross. More information about these internships can be found on the American Red Cross’ website.
Ultimately, according to Eshmoili, all the members in their activities hope to uphold the mission statement of the Red Cross: “The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.”