Colonie Central High School’s campus was packed for Pack Fest this weekend. The annual event put on by the CCHS ICARE (Integrity, Community, Accountability, Respect, and Empathy) team was a celebration of community and service.

The Albany Housing Coalition was the chosen beneficiary of each event sponsored by ICARE this school year. The ICARE team proudly presented AHC with a $10,000 check at Pack Fest’s opening ceremony, along with a mural created by students and a local artist about “resilience” for the Connors House in Albany. 

Pack Fest featured activities that kept attendees of all ages entertained throughout the day. Highlights included a touch-a-truck display featuring NYS Trooper vehicles, school buses, and fire trucks, along with a rock climbing wall, plus lawn games on the soccer field. A vendor fair and food trucks made sure there was something for everyone along Raider Blvd. 

A highlight for students attending the event was a fundraiser for one of the student executive clubs, giving anyone the opportunity to pie-a-principal – or a superintendent! 

For those seeking hands-on learning, the STEAM Expo had a fingerprint lab, CO2 balloons, and owl pellet and flower dissections, and a live reptile exhibit. While the reptiles weren’t available to be taken home, there was a spot to meet puppies available for adoption outside of the MUG. 

“ICARE didn't just organize an event, they built a genuine community experience,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Perry. “Their commitment to collaborating and giving back demonstrates exactly the kind of engaged, compassionate citizens we're working to cultivate in our schools. I'm deeply proud of what they've accomplished and the positive impact they've made for such a meaningful cause."

"I am incredibly proud of this group for what they've accomplished,” said ICARE Advisor and Associate Principal Tess McCarthy. “Not only did they create a community event that truly brought people together, but they also challenged themselves to learn new skills along the way. From planning and logistics to leadership and collaboration, they've grown so much. Most importantly, they've demonstrated the heart of service by raising meaningful funds for a worthy cause.

In addition to donating to Albany Housing Coalition, the ICARE team also named the 2026 Kind Human of the Year: Transportation Supervisor Brian Sim.