Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center has announced its “Gallon Grad” recipients for this year. Gallon Grads are those who have taken a pledge to give a gallon of blood by the time they graduate. That means they have to donate at least 8 units of blood between their 16^th birthday and graduation day.

One of last years winners from Waco High School Austin Coakley explains that a guidance counselor told him about the program after noticing that he was close to the gallon.  Coakley notes that with his rare blood type, O positive, he gives two units each time he donates.