MISS INDIANA LEAVES TV JOB TO TAKE ANTI-DRUG ROLE

Miss Indiana Allison Hatcher has taken an indefinite leave of absence as a
reporter from television station WEHT-ABC25 to promote anti-drug messages
for the state Department of Education. Hatcher, a classical pianist, has
founded Sound Decisions, a motivational program combining her music and
lectures urging students to stay in school and participate in
extracurricular activities.

National research shows that children involved in extracurricular
activities have lower incidences of drug abuse and juvenile crime than
those who aren't active in school.

Hatcher will receive $250 for each presentation she makes - up to 100
presentations, or a total payment of $25,000.

Her appearances - through the rest of this school year - are being funded
through the federal Safe and Drug-Free Grant program.

Last year's Miss Indiana, Betsy Bobel, conducted similar programs on
nutrition for the State Education Department, paid for through federal
Department of Agriculture funds.