'Hick hop recording artist asks local students for their autograph in exchange for
school supplies as part of nationwide program to collect one million autographs'

NASHVILLE, August 14, 2007 –Cowboy Troy strolls into Nashville’s Pearl Cohn High School for education efforts today, as he asks students and teachers for their autographs as part of the Sharpie “Autographs for Education” program. In exchange for the signatures, Sharpie will donate more than $6,000 in school supplies to the high school with the help of Troy.

“It’s wonderful to be a part of improving the educational experience of students here at Pearl Cohn High School and across the country,” said Cowboy Troy. “I’m proud to team up with Sharpie and empower students, teachers and parents to help their schools receive needed supplies to kick-off the school year right.”

Troy joins a list of high-profile personalities who have hosted signature events this year to make their mark on education, including Pittsburgh wide receiver and MVP Hines Ward and Green Bay wide receiver Donald Driver in February during football’s biggest game in Miami, as well as NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. With help from Cowboy Troy and others, Sharpie will donate $1 million in supplies and funds to charities, community organizations and schools across the country. The Autographs for Education program enlists celebrities and professional athletes to inspire the public to make their mark for positive, permanent change.
“From celebrities to fans, Sharpie markers are a memorable part of giving and receiving autographs,” said Mike Finn, director of communications for Sanford, maker of Sharpie. “This year, we’ll write out loud for good causes, celebrating the ultimate autograph experience to benefit those in need.”

Pearl Cohn High School proudly adds its autographs to the effort to collect one million signatures. Marva Blanchard-Woods, principal of Pearl Cohn High School, offers appreciation to both Cowboy Troy and Sharpie for the continued support of education with its donation. “We’re very excited to welcome Cowboy Troy and this program to our school,” said Woods. “What a great way to begin the school year. The students are eager for the opportunity to meet him, and we can’t wait to put the supplies to good use. We’re thrilled to be a part of Sharpie’s program and to be able to improve our student’s learning environment.”

Sharpie Leaves its Signature in the Community – and Across the Country
The Sharpie Autographs for Education program includes a host of activities and presence at high profile events throughout the year. From football’s championship game, to NASCAR races and local festivals, Sharpie continues its campaign to collect autographs from celebrities, sports figures and the public. People can also submit their virtual signature at www.sharpie.com to benefit the cause.
In 2007, the presence of the Sharpie brand in local communities includes visits to 150 schools where Sharpie will award school supplies to students and teachers nationwide. The grassroots efforts will feature the Sharpie mobile tour delivering the products, interactive games, and official entry forms for an education-based signature collection effort. Complete sweepstakes rules and entry methods can be found at retailers nationwide and at www.sharpie.com.
Inspired after a Sharpie marker was featured in a high-profile and somewhat controversial touchdown celebration in 2002, Sharpie has been bringing motivation, funds and supplies to local schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, and other organizations for more than four years. Sharpie celebrity ambassadors have included Dallas wide receiver Terrell Owens, NFL Hall of Famers Howie Long, Steve Young and Dan Dierdorf, country music singer Jo Dee Messina, former supermodel turned entrepreneur Kathy Ireland, among others.