The Spotlight on Youth program is launching its 19th year at North Canton Playhouse. The program is an outreach program that focuses on public schools in Stark and Summit Counties. The founder of Spotlight on Youth is Era Lynn Tripp. The program is grant funded.  Spotlight on Youth focuses on many of the relevant issues that today’s youth face such as drugs, alcohol, abuse and bulimia.

This is the first year that Lake Center Christian School has been a part of the program. Debbie Cardy of Lake Center Christian is directing a play through the organization and seven students from Lake Center are acting in the play as well. The play entitled Fur Real Cool Cats also features a professional actor Kami Stanley and Barberton High School student Jeremy Clarke.

Each student must be at least 14 years old and be committed to living a drug free lifestyle.

The play, directed by Cardy, is geared toward grades K-6 and focuses on the issues of drug use. The play is a child appropriate play that helps students realize the dangers of drugs by showing how drugs can ruin a life. The cats rhyme and rap with fun and catchy songs that the students are able to relate to. The play also addresses that what is in the heart really matters.

The students from Lake Center are eager to start performing for students and use their message to help children that look up to them.

Brian Foust of LCCS stated, “I am looking forward to seeing the reaction of the kids.”

The students have been diligently practicing and their parents have worked very hard on their cat costumes. Marissa Lolli pointed out that it would be very special to make a difference in a child’s life. She adds that it is worth it even if they can reach one student.