At a powerful morning assembly on Feb. 24, high school juniors and seniors learned that they have the potential to save lives by registering with the New York State Organ Donor Registry.

Students heard from Cathy Ryan, the mother of an organ donor, and her daughter, Megan Ryan, who teaches at the school and organized the assembly. Also sending a heartening message was teacher Jesse Rosen, who donated a portion of his liver to his mother last December.

Dr. Lewis Teperman of New York University also spoke about the donor process and accompanying surgery. Enlightening students further was David Rodgers of the Long Island Transplant Recipients International Organization, who stressed the importance of having a family conversation about donor registration.

“Out of all 50 states, New York is ranked No. 50, meaning it has the lowest number of registered organ donors,” said Megan Ryan. “Right now, there are more than enough people waiting for an organ to fill more than two football stadiums. Just one donor can save eight lives with their organs and improve the lives of up to 50 people with tissue and corneas.”