Editor’s Note: We invited Red Cross Club graduating high school and college seniors to share their experiences with us. The information is compiled and presented by Cindy Grell, Ellen Ginda and Alana Mauger.

Francesca Giardini

Francesca Giardini is part of the Red Cross Club at Immaculata University, which formed in spring 2025. The group partnered with the school’s Student Nursing Association to hold multiple campus blood drives; hosted a CPR training, to which they invited Red Cross Club students from nearby Downingtown East High School; partnered with the university’s emergency management and planning program on disaster preparedness exercises; and raised money for the Red Cross by selling candygrams and more.

During her time as a Red Cross Club member, Francesca says she found “the importance and joy” of giving back to her community and helping others.

“I was actively making a difference for other people, whether that be through fundraising or a volunteer event,” she said. “I thoroughly enjoyed my experience as a Red Cross Club member and hope to continue volunteering for the Red Cross in the future.”

Francesca graduated with a bachelor’s degree this past spring and plans to take a gap year before starting graduate school to further her studies in ecology.

“My time as a Red Cross Club member has shown me the importance of positively contributing to my community so I will continue  that mission through helping people in need that I meet regardless of their background,” she said.

Evan Szilier

The Red Cross Club at B. Reed Henderson was among the first established in Southeastern Pennsylvania, and it’s still going strong thanks to the leadership of 2026 graduate Evan Szilier. Over the past year, the club held several bake sale fundraisers and worked with a local business to sponsor a creative food truck fundraiser.

Evan says he has enjoyed all of Red Cross Club activities with his classmates.

“It’s really awesome to see everyone gathered together once a month around a common goal,” he said.

This summer, Evan is serving as an ocean rescue lifeguard for Beach Haven Beach Patrol before heading off to study business administration at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill in the fall.

“I plan to carry the Red Cross mission with me by always looking for a new way to get involved,” he said. “Whether it’s teaching CPR courses at UNC next year or continuing to help out with new high school chapters, I am always looking for a new way to make an impact.”

SEPA Red Cross Clubs

During the 2025-26 academic year, the SEPA region supported 33 Red Cross Clubs – 28 in high schools and five in colleges and universities. More than 950 students participated across Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.

Senior Volunteer Engagement Specialist Ellen Ginda, who works closely with the students, explains that while each Red Cross Club is different, they all “have the goal of bringing the Red Cross’s humanitarian mission to their schools.” The student leaders choose how to reach that goal, which often includes hosting blood drives, organizing fundraisers and collecting in-kind donations, like toys, books, food and more!

Over the past academic year, SEPA’s Red Cross Clubs hosted more than 20 blood drives, organized 11 fundraisers and coordinated 11 donation collections. In addition, nearly 150 students were trained and certified in CPR/AED/First Aid.