Dave Hack represents his community in various ways and continues to be an inspiration to those who he serves. Living in Michigan City for most of his life has really helped him keep track of how times have changed and what new, positive happenings are to be expected in the future.
“Being active in the community was passed down to me from my lovely mother; she was always community oriented and involved. I followed her path by dedicating my time at our church’s (First Presbyterian Church) soup kitchen for a number of years in Michigan City. After about seven years, I moved on to the men’s homeless shelter at First Presbyterian,” Hack said.
And that was only the beginning of his grand journey.
As the Michigan City Area School’s (MCAS) head of transportation, Hack has learned to juggle his time between working, attending Michigan City sporting events, involving himself in the Michigan City election polling sites, and being an important part of the drum and bugle corps- otherwise known as DCI (Drum Corps International). He has worked for MCAS for over 20 years as a bus driver.
“I helped line up the very first Stuff-A-Bus event in Michigan City. We wanted to do something to help the Salvation Army because their food bank was low at the time. Fortunately, this still continues and branches out to many places. It’s a great feeling to know you are helping those in need,” Hack said.
Al’s, Walmart, Meijer, and Aldi are a few places where Stuff-A-Bus has stopped in the past. Various organizations have taken a part in this donation using MCAS buses for transport. WIMS (AM 1420) has also been involved in this event as well.
Being the operations manager for MCAS has taught Hack patience, perseverance, love, and self-respect. The Michigan City community has helped him grow with both positive and negative feedback.
“I’ve had numerous parents call in to say how wonderful their bus driver and bus monitor are. I drove a bus for many years and kids would say what an influence my colleague and I were to them,” Hack said.
A former student visited Hack one day and informed him that she was thankful to receive a past write up from him. It ended up molding her life for the better and she was happy to tell him that she is currently perusing a degree in nursing.
Michigan City Area Schools also has an additional reason to thank Hack for his involvement in mentoring students. The Cavaliers (a Michigan City based DCI troop) count on Hack as a dedicated Chairman of their events, practices, and other activities. For seventeen years, he drove the hopeful team to and from their performances.
Currently, Hack is in charge of the routing and direction for the drum corps—whenever they need help, he is there no matter what the circumstance.
This year, the Michigan City Summer Festival hosted the Pageant of Drums where Hack held a large coordinating role. In the late 80s and early 90’s, Hack worked with the Summer Festival Committee on various venues, however he always loved the DCI events.
“The Cavaliers and I are preparing for a trip down to Indianapolis in a few weeks for the DCI Championship Competition. There are also two other tournaments going on during the 5th and 6th in Michigan City, prior to our departure on the 7th,” Hack said.
On his days off, Hack enjoys attending different sporting games in Michigan City and Chicago. He will always be an avid supporter of MCAS athletics and Chicago sports teams. Traveling is also another one of his loves.
“I really love spending time with my friends whether it is going to a game, hanging out at someone’s house, or shopping Northwest Indiana. There is always something to do in our close communities and I couldn’t be happier,” Hack said in closing.