P.O. Box 21069 Columbia, SC 29221-1069

www.state.sc.us/djj

Nikki R. Haley Governor State of South Carolina Margaret H. Barber, Director

Media Advisory EMBARGOED UNTIL FRIDAY Thursday, March 27, 2014 March 28 at 6 a.m. Contact: Loretta S. Neal, Director Office of Public Affairs Office: (803) 896-9518 Cell: (803) 463-4293 [email protected]

South Carolina Native Comes to DJJ winner “gives back” to incarcerated youth through a message of courage and hope

Columbia, SC – On Friday, March 28, the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice will welcome American Idol winner and South Carolina native Candice Glover to its Broad River Road Complex. During Glover’s visit she will first meet with a limited number of students, both boys and girls, where she will tell her life’s story while instilling hope and encouraging self-esteem. She also is expected to perform two songs for the youth. Later in the morning Candice will meet with some of DJJ’s senior managers.

What: American Idol winner Candice R. Glover will visit youth at DJJ and perform for them.

When: Friday, March 28, 2014, beginning promptly at 10 a.m.

Where: Willow Lane Activity Center and Chapel (youth) and Bill Rogers Community Connections Center (senior managers), 4900 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212

Background: Candice Rickelle Glover, a native of Beaufort, SC, is an R&B singer who won the 12 th season of popular television show American Idol . She is the fourth African-American winner in American Idol history and the only winner to have auditioned three times before being cast for the live shows. Her debut was released in February. Candice is not being compensated for her visit to DJJ but agreed to come because of the youth and her desire to empower them to push beyond life’s barriers.

About DJJ

--- As the state agency responsible for providing rehabilitation and custodial care for the state’s juveniles who are on probation, incarcerated, or on parole for a criminal or status offense, DJJ actively seeks partnerships that foster its mission. DJJ’s mission is to protect the public and reclaim juveniles through prevention, community services, education, and rehabilitative services in the least restrictive environment. ###