Atchison High School National Honor Society President Chloe Brinsfield and Vice President Laini Tate announced plans for the event during the October 19 meeting of the Atchison City Commission.
The blood drive, organized in cooperation with the Community Blood Center, is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Atchison High School gymnasium.
During their presentation, the students explained that the Community Blood Center had requested an additional blood drive this year because of an ongoing blood shortage.
“At the beginning of this year, they reached out to us and asked if we'd be willing to schedule a third blood drive as we're in a blood shortage,” one of the student representatives told commissioners.
The event will also serve as a memorial to Ryan Berkhalter, affectionately known as “Hambone,” who died unexpectedly June 28, 2026.
Ryan was the son of Randle Keith Berkhalter and Stephanie Allison Berkhalter. His mother serves as a counselor at Atchison High School.
Atchison Mayor La Rochelle Young, who also serves as the school's National Honor Society sponsor, suggested dedicating the blood drive to Ryan's memory. The students contacted his mother, who supported the idea.
“We know there are a lot of students at the high school who were very close with him, so we just wanted to keep his memory alive,” one of the student representatives told commissioners.
The blood drive provides an opportunity for students and community members to honor Ryan while helping meet the need for donated blood.
Those interested in donating or seeking additional information can contact Atchison High School at 913-367-4384.
