DRUG-FREE THE WAY TO BE

Hope Taft Tells Crowd At Schott To Be Smart, Sober

Ohio First Lady Hope Taft sheds her blue jacket at the Smart and Sober
presentation to show her support for the project which aims to show kids
how to stay drug and alcohol free.

Thousands of yelling children, ice skaters and the "Fonz" filled the
Schottenstein Arena yesterday to support their pledge to be smart and
sober.

Hope Taft, the first lady of Ohio, hosted the Smart and Sober
Celebration. The event was held to promote a drug-free lifestyle and
give children alternatives to underage drinking. Nearly 6,000 students
and teachers from around the state attended.

The event featured guest speakers Governor Bob Taft, actor Henry
Winkler, Tom Farley from the Chris Farley Foundation and Marc Denis,
the goaltender from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Ohio State President
Karen A. Holbrook and OSU Director of Athletics Andy Geiger also spoke
at the event.

"I'm very proud of you, and glad that you're here. Thank you for
taking charge of your life and future," Gov. Taft said.

Hope Taft's message was concise; she encouraged the students and
children of Ohio to stay "smart and sober."

"The decision is up to you. I hope you all sign the pledge and
remember your commitment and courage," she said. "I hope you can
recruit your friends and your family to help you. Unite for a
drug-free Ohio."

Holbrook discussed the importance of becoming a college student and
she said hoped the children would someday attend OSU.

She told them by participating in the pledge, they are taking care of
their bodies, friends and families.

Winkler also addressed the crowd, encouraging them to sign the
pledge.

He spoke about his childhood and the challenges he had in school as a
dyslexic student. Winkler told the children if they if they work hard
enough they can make anything happen.

"I had a dream and I kept it in my heart and mind," he said. "I wasn't
going to let anyone take it from me,"

Farley took the stage and talked about his brother,
Chris.

"His life was all about making you guys laugh," he
said.

Farley said the foundation is built on three principles: to think,
laugh and live.

He emphasized the importance using humor to diffuse peer-pressure
situations.

Winkler concluded the event with a question for the
audience.

"You are all very powerful. You have a great gift inside you," he
said. "You need to pull it out and give it to the world. Are you ready
to pull that out?"

The children responded with an astounding roar that shook the entire
arena.