The new Red Cross Club held its first ever meeting on Sept. 9, in room 3-201. Founded for students to learn emergency preparedness and response, the RCC plans to provide volunteer opportunities for its members. Several principles of the Red Cross, such as humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality are crucial elements of the club, with a heavy emphasis on strengthening these ideals in students. Members of the board presented general topics and concerns regarding the club, and discussed scheduling with attendees. 

“We want to have enough people so we can always have representation in every event,” treasurer and junior Aidan Priore said. 

Plans for community service currently are assisting fire alarm installation, as well as hazard prevention campaigns for nearby elementary schools.  

Ideas for the club started in March, and was approved by Assistant Principal Christy Tibbitts-Bryce in May. The club’s board was made by the end of the year, sponsored by Karen Hernandez, and preparation was done over the summer.

“Hagerty was always missing this type of club. We had HOSA created relatively recently, but even so, we still didn’t have a club that was related to health services to the community, which is what we’re primarily focused on,” secretary Rohan Bisht said.

Advertising and increasing the club’s publicity still remain a high priority to the board. Having a larger club size allows the club to schedule larger events and make a greater impact when helping the community. Depending on the number of members, committees could be made, where elections for committee lead would be held.

“I hope the club becomes a significant club in, and maybe even beyond, Hagerty High School. There are not a lot of Red Cross Clubs across SCPS, and I aspire to bring Hagerty’s RCC to a level where it will be an inspiration for the creation of RCCs in other schools in Seminole County,” club president Aaditya Balasubramaniyan said.

Members of the club express enthusiasm to serve the community, to volunteer, and to make an impact on people’s lives. Students plan to meet again in room 3-201 on Sept. 23 for a second meeting.

“Anyone who wants to make a difference in someone’s life and make some volunteer hours for Bright Futures should definitely join,” junior Alyssa Xiong said. “I think it’s nice to be a part of a community dedicated to helping others.”