INDIANAPOLIS (May 31, 2002) -- As the result of a challenge from Mayor Bart Peterson, students in the Marion County Youth Congress (MCYC) obtained more than 50,000 pledges from Marion County youth to be alcohol, tobacco, other drug and violence free. To commemorate this outstanding achievement, the MCYC students will present Mayor Peterson with a special presentation representing the 50,000 pledges.

The pledge campaign will also receive national recognition. On June 10, the students will travel to Washington D.C., where they will be honored by the National Drug Czar John Walters who is the National Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. On June 11, the students will meet Indiana Senator Evan Bayh on the steps of the Capitol Building for a presentation ceremony.

Forty organizations and agencies around Indianapolis have joined what has now become the "50K Celebration Campaign." The 50K Celebration, which takes place on Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., is a celebration for the many drug prevention programs that have supported the pledge drive.

The celebration will take place in Military Park in downtown Indianapolis. More than 5,000 of the Marion County youth who signed the pledges, are expected to attend the 50K Celebration. The celebration, sponsored by the Mayor's Office, Indiana Fever, Indiana National Guard, Indianapolis Police and Fire Departments, Marion County Sheriffs Department, Indy Parks & Recreation, Pal club, Smoke Free Indiana Central Coalition and Radio One, will include a rally, games, entertainment, health fair and free food.

Many community leaders, elected officials and celebrities will be in attendance with a special appearance by national recording artist "Krystal," courtesy of the Indiana Fever. Fever 2002 first round draft pick Tawana McDonald will also be in attendance and will sign autographs from 3-4 p.m.

After the celebration, the youth will attend the Fever's opening game vs. the Detroit Shock at 7:00 p.m. at Conseco Fieldhouse. The Fever is also involved in many drug prevention activities with schools during the school year and this game reinforces their commitment to the strong anti-drug messages their players represent. Clarian Health is providing the tickets for the Fever game to those youth who've taken the Be Against Drugs Pledge.

The Marion County Youth Congress is made up of students who represent twenty-two high schools from ten of the eleven school districts in Marion County. They meet monthly to identify and address issues that impact youth in Marion County.