Pasadena ISD Superintendent Dr. Kirk Lewis (left) and South Houston High Principal Dr. Steve Fullen swap "needle" jokes with SHHS nurse Tammy Garcia and senior Arturo Arredondo during Friday's blood drive to benefit ailing South Houston fencing coach Jerry Dunaway.
UPDATE (May 5, 2011): Long-time South Houston High School Coach Jerry Dunaway passed away on May 4 from complications of a torn aorta.
Dunaway had coached fencing at South Houston since 1994 when he took over an after-school club and transformed it into a varsity-level competition squad.
More than 200 donors from across the community turned out last Friday (April 15) to give blood in a drive to benefit long-time South Houston High School fencing Coach Jerry Dunaway, who faces major surgery to repair a torn aorta.
South Houston High students, teachers from across the district, police officers and other caring souls streamed into the school's Dance Gym all day to donate blood. Students served as volunteers to help with paperwork.
The final tally of donors came to 207. Many more offered donations but were screen out for various reasons.
District Superintendent Dr. Kirk Lewis and South Houston Principal Dr. Steve Fullen paid a mid-day visit to thank everyone for their support.
School nurse Tammy Garcia helped coordinate the event and was among the donors.
Dunaway remains in intensive care at Hermann Hospital Medical Center. Doctors are hoping to stabilize his condition before performing surgery to repair the aorta tear.
Ana Payne, orchestra teacher at Beverly Hills Intermediate, goes through the preliminary checks before donating blood to her teaching colleague -- and family member -- Jerry Dunaway.
