LISBON – First-time blood donor Samantha Hayslip sat anxiously in a library chair, watching a classmate go white and lie back down.

“Oh my God! I don’t want to be one of those people!” she exclaimed. “I’m afraid I’m going to pass out and be one of those people lying on the table.”

Hayslip, 17, a senior at Lisbon High School, was taking part Monday in the school’s annual blood drive sponsored by the student government.

The American Red Cross had been on site in the library since 6 a.m., setting up soft tables, placing plastic on the carpet as a precaution for spilled blood, and getting ready for the 50 students and faculty members who had signed up to donate blood.

The goal was 50 to 65 pints. Student government faculty adviser and English teacher Ed Regan thought they would make it.

He donated blood about 8:30 a.m., the first time after receiving his “gallon pin,” signifying he had donated that much blood in his lifetime.

“The first time I donated I was a senior (at Bonny Eagle High School in Standish). I’ve been giving blood ever since. I hope that these kids will do the same,” said Regan.

Back on the table, Hayslip prepared to give blood.

Red Cross worker Matt Farrington of Millinocket swabbed the crook of her elbow twice with iodine and inserted a 16-gauge needle, used because it is large enough not to damage the red blood cells.

“It wasn’t so bad,” Hayslip said. “A little pinch, but OK.”

She said she felt good that someone else might live because she gave blood. Plus, it didn’t hurt that she was excused from math class.

Six minutes later, the scale tipped, signifying she had donated 610 grams of blood. Head nurse Elizabeth Wasilewski of Topsham gave a few last-minute instructions, bandaged Hayslip’s arm and slowly sat her up.

A few minutes later, Hayslip munched on a cookie and pondered whether she would give blood again.

“I think it’s a noble thing to give blood,” she said. “You know, suffer a little bit for others who need it.”