WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Blood Center honored high schools and its students for donating blood at the annual High School Hero Reception and Award Ceremony on Oct. 24. 23 awards were presented in total, with Paul Cuffee High School, Johnston Senior High School, Coventry High School, and North Kingstown High School receiving first place High School Hero Awards for blood donation efforts. East Providence High School, Barrington High School, Blackstone Academy Charter School, Exeter Job Corps, Charles E. Shea High School, and Beacon Charter School additionally received awards. William M. Davies Technical School student Monica Strojny was given the Gift of Life Award, which acknowledges a blood drive coordinator that makes a difference for the students and patients they work with. “We are incredibly proud to honor these outstanding young individuals who have embraced the lifesaving mission of blood donation,”  Executive Director of Blood Operations at RIBC Nicole Pineault said. “Our High School Heroes are not only helping maintain a stable blood supply in our community, they are inspiring their peers and setting an example of compassion and service. Their dedication ensures that patients across Rhode Island will continue to receive the critical care they need.” Categories: News, Rhode Island, Warwick