UAIS project has designs on raising awareness about organ replacements

Utica Academy for International Studies junior Taylor Lauren Clark is using a school project to fashion support for a cause close to her.

Clark has created a handbag that is being professionally retailed to help raise funds for the Gift of Life, a Michigan Organ and Tissue Donation Program.

The handbag - - called "Fashion with a Passion" - represents a culmination of things that she supports and enjoys: fashion, her experiences at UAIS, and the importance of organ and tissue donation.

She said the final project came to her quickly as she thought about how to fulill the 150 credits of CAS - Creativity, Action and Service - required at the UAIS.

"I love fashion, and I knew that I wanted to do something that helped the organ donation program," she said. "I have family members who have been impacted by the program - as donors and as recipients."

Clark's aunt was a donor in the program and her father is the recipient of a cornea.

To create the final project, Clark brought in the help of her cousin - Jenna Kator, a professional designer.

The handbag retails for $45 and is Metallic grey with blue accents. The blue accent symbolizes love in the wedding tradition of something borrowed and something blue.

The 8.5" X 4.5" handbag also has an embossed circle of life.

Clark said she began her project during the summer months and completed it recently with a presentation to UAIS staff.

She said the effort opened her eyes to a number of business concepts, including the importance of keeping detailed records and and understanding of profit margins.

"I learned things I know I will be able to use later on in my life, not just here at the academy," she said.

Justin Spear, Creativity, Action, Service Coordinator at UAIS, said Clark's work is reflective of the students at the academy.

"Taylor continues to impress—and even surprise—us with her unique set of talents and achievements here at the Academy," he said. "Her work on this particular project is a shining example of what International Baccalaureate develops in its students: innovation, creativity, and social activism. "

To purchase a handbag, you may visit http://taylorlaurenclark.com/ or www.jennakator.com.

For more information on Gift of Life, please visit http://www.giftoflifemichigan.org/