Newark, OH—The Career and Technical Education Centers of Licking County (C-TEC) has partnered with local businesses to provide incentives and rewards for the Our Futures in Licking County-supported PAX-it notes program. Our Futures in Licking County is a countywide plan to create a healthier Licking County by improving educational, social, safety, and economic environments.

PAX-it notes are praise notes given to reward students who do good things that make the world a better place. "PAX" is a Latin word meaning "peace." PAX-it notes are an important part of the Our Futures in Licking County initiative.

C-TEC has begun incorporating PAX-it into the weekly, monthly, and yearly incentive program already in place in the high school.

"We are looking to show our appreciation and to support five students each week who have displayed the types of behaviors that, in the long run, will make our world a better place," said Rodney Fields, C-TEC's Dean of Students.

Area businesses have joined C-TEC in showing appreciation to students by donating products and services to reward students for their positive contributions.

Businesses include: Applebee's, Amber's Attic, Arby's, Bake-N-Brew, Bob Evan's, Bubba's Pizza, Cherry Valley Lodge, City BBQ, Creno's Pizza (Deo Drive), Dairy Queen, Damon's, Donato's Pizza, Garfield's, GFS FunFunds Fundraiser, Giant Eagle, Go Kleen Car Wash, Jolly Pirate Donuts, Josie's Soft Serve, Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken, Leghorns, Kroger Community Rewards, McDonald's, Meijer Community Rewards, Papa Foti's Pizza, Park Pizza, Pizza Cottage, Pizza Hut, Quizno's, Red Lobster, Rooster's, Ruby Tuesday, Sam's Club, Sonic, Spa on the Avenue, Speedway, Stacy's Homestyle Buffet, Staples, Steak & Shake, Subway, Tee Jaye's, Texas Roadhouse, The Works, Tumbleweed Southwest Grill, Turkey Hill Dairy, Velvet Ice Cream, Wal-Mart, Wieber's Sweet Shop, Wendy's, and White Castle.

"This program promotes adult recognition of youth. Research shows that reinforcement of positive behavior in the form of recognition, when done frequently, increases the climate and behavior of a school's student body," offered Fields. "We have a great responsibility in education to instill in our students the skills and attributes they need to make a positive impact on the world. It is only with partners like these that we can make this great responsibility successful."

ABOUT C-TEC

C-TEC is the premier choice for career and technical education, adult education and workforce development in Licking County. With more than 20 high school programs and nearly 35 educational and training opportunities available in adult education, C-TEC has been contributing to the success of the workforce for over 30 years. C-TEC is also the first LEED certified public school in Ohio providing an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient building for students to perfect their skills and training.