By Mason Hodges, Red Cross Communications Volunteer
At Oak Park High School, senior Max Beatty is known not just for his academic excellence, but also for his unwavering commitment to service.
As president of his school’s Red Cross Youth Club, he has spent the past three years turning compassion into action. His leadership and dedication have earned him the Red Cross Youth and Young Adult Volunteer Award for the Pacific Coast Chapter, an honor that recognizes young individuals who embody the Red Cross mission and inspire others to do the same.
Max’s schedule is anything but ordinary. Between six advanced placement classes, shadowing surgeons in the operating room and organizing club events, he admits that sleep is his biggest challenge. But his passion for helping others keeps him motivated.
His journey with the Red Cross began in his freshman year. What started as a simple decision to join the club quickly became a defining part of his high school experience. “The best part about volunteering is the people,” Max says. “Whether it was someone donating blood or helping collect it, they were just incredibly kind. It made me want to stay.”
Today, Max serves as a Red Cross Blood Ambassador, welcoming donors and helping them feel comfortable during blood drives. While he enjoys meeting new people in this role, his favorite experience has been teaching hands-only CPR. At community outreach events, he has taught life-saving skills to more than 100 people, often in small sidewalk sessions with groups of five.
Max finds meaning in giving others the confidence to act in emergencies. “A lot of the people we teach have young kids or elderly parents. Learning CPR gives them peace of mind,” he explains. “It’s empowering to know you can help someone when it really matters.”
He also wishes more people knew about the Good Samaritan Law, which protects bystanders who step in to help during emergencies. “Most people don’t realize they’re legally protected when they try to save a life. That knowledge alone can make someone feel confident enough to act.”
Outside of the Red Cross, Max is involved in other initiatives like Create for Kids, a program that supports children through creative outreach. He has also volunteered over 400 hours at his local hospital, deepening his interest in the medical field. With college on the horizon, Max hopes to attend UCLA or UCSD to study medicine and continue his journey of service.
Looking ahead, Max plans to stay involved with the Red Cross in college and pursue a seat on the National Youth Council. He’s especially interested in disaster deployment and hopes to one day provide aid on the front lines.
His advice to anyone considering volunteering is simple. “Just give it a try. Try everything. Do it.”
Max has worked alongside volunteers who have been with the organization for over 40 years, and he understands why they’ve stayed. “Volunteering with the Red Cross has been nothing but positive.”
Max’s story is a reminder that leadership isn’t just about titles or awards. It’s about showing up, making a difference and inspiring others to do the same. Feeling inspired to start your own journey of service? Discover how you can make a meaningful impact by volunteering with the Red Cross: redcross.org/volunteer
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