Experience opens students' eyes to reality

To the Editor:

On Oct. 7, over 520 eighth-grade students participated in an annual event called "Reality Experience."

These students came from the four Putnam County middle schools, Eminence and several who are home-schooled. They were given a unique educational opportunity to "experience reality."

It was sponsored by three service clubs of Greencastle, Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary, plus philanthropic sororities Kappa Delta Phi and Delta Theta Tau.

On behalf of all the students and over 130 volunteers, we wish to thank the following for their financial support: Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, Delta Theta Tau, Kappa Delta Phi, First National Bank, North Salem State Bank, Tri-County Bank, and to Monical's, who donated lunch for the volunteers.

Additionally, we wish to thank the Banner Graphic for its coverage with photos published on Oct. 9.

The sponsors, in turn, wish to thank the community's volunteers and give special thanks to the teachers and advisers that prepared the students and guided them through the experience. And a personal "thank you" goes to Barbara Ashworth, who has continued as our school coordinator/liaison for the past decade.

Feedback from the volunteers, students, teachers and advisers continues to be very positive. Some have commented that the lessons learned that day awakened students to their need for education and wise money management.

A counselor also commented that "Indiana law requires that all students in grades 6-12 have instruction in personal financial responsibility. The Reality Experience helps us meet this requirement."

Most students had favorable comments like "I enjoyed learning about how much money my parents need to spend just to make our life better."

The service clubs and sororities continue to believe that the hard work and dedication of all those involved was well spent, and we look forward to continuing to host this annual event.

Thanks to all for a successful experience.

Jim Maxwell

Chairman

Reality Experience

of Putnam County