Butler, PA Feb.16, 2009 – Drug prevention awareness is part of CANDLE, Inc.’s Reality Tour ‘Prevention Initiative’ partnership with six area school districts. Karns City 6th and 7th grade students will receive ‘I Promise’ t-shirts at assemblies on Thursday, February 19th. Students sign their names on the t-shirts to show their drug-free promise. The school will announce ‘I Promise’days for all students to wear their shirts during the school year to raise awareness. Karns City received a grant from Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett to participate in the partnership with the non-profit CANDLE, Inc. that oversees the Reality Tour program.

In addition to the t-shirts, the Karns City students and parents can attend the April 13th Reality Tour, held at the YWCA in Butler, 6-9PM at no charge. The cost to attend has been underwritten by Volaric Construction Company and Shriver Contract Services, Inc. is providing bus transportation.

Norma Norris, Reality Tour director, has high hopes for good attendance, “Last year Chicora Elementary School had a phenomenal 54% attendance rate for 6th grade students under the guidance of Leadership Butler County. We are using Leadership’s formula for success this year.” The homeroom with the highest attendance will receive a pizza party and other attendance incentives are offered.

The goal of CANDLE’s partnership with schools is to educate a target audience of 6th grade students and parents across all of Butler County. “I believe we can show a shift toward more positive lifestyle choices over the next 5 years”, Norris states. All Butler County school districts, with the exception of Butler School District have joined in this effort. CANDLE also has Reality Tour presentations at Slippery Rock University and Adams Township Municipal Building . In 2008 over 700 Butler County residents attended the program that is held monthly.

Early in 2008, the Butler County Commissioners appealed to all school districts to participate in the Prevention Initiative. District Attorney Rich Goldinger is working with CANDLE on the project as well, and is supporting the effort across Butler County.