Everyday Autograp hs Add Up To $1 Million For Education (NAPSA}—An education may be priceless, but a person’s signature could be worth thousands for area schools. A new programis collecting autographs from everyday people for much-needed school supplies and funds nationwide. The initiative is a timely one, particularly since many schools lack the funds to provide even the most basic resources for students = wy 5 Be and teachers. In fact, the National Education Association (NEA)estimates that a teacher personally spends $443 annually on supplies for the classroom. In addition, ris- ing college tuition rates are stretching parents’ wallets thinner than ever. The nationwide search, called Sharpie Retractable Autographs for Education, is aiming for one million autographs in exchange for $1 million in school supplies and funds. To help the effort, celebrities and professional athletes are rallying to motivate people across the country to put their autographs on education, with several ways to participate. * Supplies—Elementary and middle-school students can collect autographs from friends, family and the community in general and submit them for the chance to earn $25,000 in school supplies for their school. The 30 schools that contribute the most autographs in 2005 will win. * Scholarships—Students What’s In A Name? Plenty. A new autograph program is raising moneyfor area schools by enlisting professional athletes like NASCAR’s Kurt Busch to ask studentsfor their autographs. (and others) 13 and older could win a $50,000 college scholarship or one of four $25,000 tuition plans by creating a virtual autograph at www.sharpie.com or by visiting office products stores. Exhibition Tour—High-profile personalities, such as defending NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Champion Kurt Busch, will host special assemblies and request student autographs in exchange for donations of education supplies and funds to schools and communitybased learning organizations. The program also gives parents tips for getting involved at school. People can find out more about the Autographs program and how HowTo Get Involved 1. Get To Know Your Child’s Teachers— introduce yourself early in the year and maintain open communication with them aboutyour child’s progress. 2. Donate Your Time—lend aslittle as one hour per week to grade papers or make copies on the teacher’s behalf. 3. Support School Programs—recycle newspapers, clip labels or donate baked goodsfor your child’s fundraisers. @ to help support education efforts by visiting www.sharpie.com.
