FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 1, 2006
‘Patrick the Pack Rat’ program members tapped for All-Health Team
COLUMBIA – The Alternative Academy for Success in Chapin has been selected for the All-Health Team for their “Patrick the Pack Rat” puppet program, to help students in grades K-5 to understand the dangers of tobacco use.
“Their energy and dedication is remarkable,” said Lisa Stalvey, project coordinator. “They performed every 20 minutes without a break at one school. Toward the end of the day, the puppeteers were holding each other’s arms up so they could finish the last set.”
Stalvey said the program, available by request, last year spread their tobacco awareness message to all of Richland-Lexington School District Five’s elementary schools. The group members are required to make good grades and must make up any schoolwork missed because of a performance.
For being named to the All-Health Team, the “Patrick the Pack Rat” program will receive $500, T-shirts and other All-Health items, recognition on the All-Health Web site and a television spot on WIS-TV 10.
Stalvey said the message about the dangers of tobacco use has been delivered to thousands since the program began. The students look forward to reaching even more this year, as the group plans to use the money for puppet and stage repairs.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and WIS-TV 10 sponsor the All-Health Team. Each month, the partnership recognizes an individual or youth group promoting health in their community.
For information about the All-Health Team, visit the Web site at www.scdhec.gov/allhealth, call Joann Moton Minder at (803) 545-4501, or e-mail minderjm@dhec.sc.gov.
-###-
For more information:
Joann Minder – (803) 545-4501
E-mail – minderjm@dhec.sc.gov
or
Clair Boatwright – (803) 898-4461
E-mail – boatwrc@dhec.sc.gov