KENOSHA, Wis. — A Wisconsin high school is taking the lead to ensure the area’s blood supply remains high and ready for patients in need.

Tremper High School in Kenosha, Wis., hosted its annual blood drive on Thursday. It was the 42nd year of the drive that is run solely by its students. 

Tori Keckler - president, Tremper High School student government (Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)

Tori Keckler is the president of the Tremper High School student government. She said the annual Tremper blood drive is the largest student-run drive in Wisconsin.

Keckler said she’s proud to run the event with partner Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin and said it’s a great way for young people to learn the importance of volunteering at an early age.

“It’s also amazing it’s not just seeing the students working but we have an incredible amount of students from Tremper that are donating today,” she said.

Myles Glenn is a Tremper High School senior. He said he plans to join the military after graduation and said it’s important to him to serve others.

“It’s a big deal because we are helping save lives and helping the community and just being better as a school and just representing Tremper,” said Glenn.

Keckler said the blood drive not only saves lives, but it also builds camaraderie in the community.

(Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)

 “It’s just something the Kenosha community does so well, is that we give back to each other so much and it’s so great and it’s really nice that we’re able to come together and be there for one another,” said Keckler.