Angela Jenkins, Director of Communications                                                                               August 29, 2006
(903) 262-1064                                                                                                                        For Immediate Release

Media Advisory

Combs To Kick Off Statewide Back-To-School

“Think Bright” Campaign In Tyler

            Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs will kick off a back-to-school “Think Bright!” campaign in Tyler, encouraging kids to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and to stay active.

            The commissioner will visit with the fourth grade class of Ms. Jana Hunt at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31 at Dixie Elementary School, 213 Patton Lane in Tyler. Combs will speak with the students and distribute non-food incentive items to the class.   

            Combs will encourage Dixie’s fourth graders to get the school year off to a strong start and commit to good nutrition choices and fun, active lifestyles. During her visit, she will pass out “Think Bright!” incentive kits that promote healthy eating. The kits contain items such as tri-color silicone wristbands, stickers, pencils, coin holders, coupons and fruit-scented mini markers carrying the “Think Bright!” theme, which emphasizes eating bright, colorful fresh fruits and vegetables.  

            Joining Combs will be Tyler ISD Superintendent, Dr. David Simmons, director of elementary instruction, Reba Schumacher, food services director, Victor Olivares, and Dixie Elementary principal, Sheila Higginbotham.

            Media availability with Combs will be from 11:50 a.m. until noon.             

            Every public elementary school student in Texas will receive one of the 2.2 million “Think Bright!” wristbands to be distributed by the Texas Department of Agriculture beginning Sept. 1. Additionally, non-food incentive kits will go out to about 11,000 fourth grade teachers in September.

###