DAYTON – Arcanum High School senior Kayla O’Daniel has won $1,000 for college tuition in the 2020 Community Blood Center/Vectren, A CenterPoint Energy Company Lead The Way Scholarship competition.
Kayla impressed the judges by having the courage to star in her own music video, “Have the Courage of a Cowboy, Donate Blood.” The music is inspired by the popular “Old Town Road.” In her video Kayla jumps off a horse and sings her way through directions on how to donate, finishing with the lyric, “Come on and take your arm to the old blood bank, you can help a bunch of people when you donate.”
“Courage is the ability to do something that frightens you,” said Kayla. “Many people struggle with overcoming their fears, and I believe that my theme will inspire people to gain the courage they need to donate blood.
“A lot of times, people hear about the ‘scary process’ of donating blood and they shy away from doing it. However, the music video that I developed explains the process of donating blood and encourages people to take part in donating. As I say in my song, ‘Let me ease your mind, you’ll sit back, relax, and enjoy the recline.’
“My song explains how many people are in need, the difference that just one pint of blood makes, and I even add that you get a free snack after donating. ‘Old Town Road’ highlights the strength and courage that cowboys have, and my music video does the same. The catchy song that I created will ease the minds of potential blood donors and will inspire people to have the courage of a cowboy and donate blood.”
Kayla plans to attend Wright State University.
Blood donation requirements: Donors are required to provide a photo ID that includes their full name. Past CBC donors are also asked to bring their CBC donor ID card. Donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 years old with parental consent: form available at www.givingblood.org or at CBC branch & blood drive locations), weigh a minimum of 110 pounds (you may have to weigh more, depending on your height), and be in good physical health. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changes blood donor eligibility guidelines periodically. Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email [email protected] or call 1(800)388-GIVE. Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com.
