UCS senior scores big for Detroit Rescue Mission

In hockey terms, the work senior Josh Pack did to support an area charity would qualify him as a playmaker.

Just like a playmaker in his favorite sport, Pack - a standout hockey player being recruited by professional leagues - used his school project to assist the Detroit Rescue Mission in its goal to provide coats for those in need this season.

“I really enjoyed helping people,” the Utica Academy for International Studies senior said. “I enjoyed just being able to see the faces of those you are helping and hearing them say thank you.”

Pack created the coat project to satisfy the community service requirement - or Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) - of UAIS.

In order to successfully complete the IB Diploma Program, each student must have documented 150 hours of after‐school activities (during junior & senior year) that are evenly split among creative, action, and service oriented endeavors.

A standout hockey goalie, Pack used his contacts in professional hockey to establish coat drives and drop off centers at area rinks to collect the donated coats.

His goal in setting out to do the project was 200 - he ultimately doubled the number he dropped off in January at the Detroit Rescue Mission.

“Josh’s extensive collaboration with many of the area’s local hockey teams to collect and donate these coats is quite impressive,” said UAIS program director Justin Spear. “This is especially true considering his demanding hockey schedule and academic responsibilities at the Academy.”

Pack said the fact the drive exceeded expectation came just in time for the rescue mission, which lost a major sponsor this year and was in need of support.

“I really gained the knowledge that helping people is something I enjoy,” he said.

In addition to the importance of service, Pack’s experience taught him the level of detail needed to organize fundraising efforts - everything from gaining widespread support to making sure names on coats are erased before they are donated.