St. Thomas More High School Student Wins Red Cross Scholarship

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Dec. 17, 2025) — Jayden Maholmes of Cudahy helped save lives by hosting an American Red Cross blood drive and earned a $1,000 scholarship through the Red Cross Leaders Save Lives program.

Maholmes, a senior at St. Thomas More High School, organized a blood drive at the Bayview Community Center on July 7, where 29 donations were collected. By hosting the drive, he was entered into a scholarship drawing and selected as a winner. He also received a gift card for his efforts.

Maholmes plans to continue his education after graduating in May 2026. As a Milwaukee County Youth Commissioner, he is enthusiastic about giving back and wants to make a meaningful impact. He found real satisfaction in knowing his efforts helped people and described the experience as both fun and highly impactful. When he learned he had earned the scholarship, he was completely surprised, excited and deeply grateful.

“I wanted to do something that truly made a difference,” Maholmes said. “Hosting a blood drive was an incredibly meaningful experience. Knowing that all the efforts contributed to helping save lives made every moment worthwhile. I’m incredibly thankful for this opportunity and the scholarship.”

The Leaders Save Lives program encourages community-minded high school and college students to host blood drives to help maintain the blood supply for patients in need of lifesaving transfusions.

Students can sign up to host Leaders Save Lives blood drives during seasonal timeframes throughout the year. For more information, visit RedCrossBlood.org/LeadersSaveLives.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.