The LaRue County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with the LaRue County Youth Service Center to offer the 4-H Reality Store program to all 189 8th graders at LaRue County Middle School.  The 4-H Agent went into the classroom to prepare all the students for the event.  They researched their chosen career and expected salary.  They also drew for the number of children they would have for the activity which assumed they were 25 year olds providing the only income for their household.  Students learned about the various booths and choices they would be making on the day of the event.  With the help of over 30 community volunteers, students were able to go to booths in the gym which represented their monthly bills such as:  housing, transportation, utilities, groceries, child care, communications, entertainment, contributions, etc.  The Reality Store helped students to realize the cost of regular monthly bills that they normally take for granted being paid by their parents.  One student stated, "I had no idea how many bills my parents have to pay each month.  I feel bad now that I am always asking for things.  I see now how it all really adds up."  The community volunteers enjoyed interacting with the students and helping them make their selections at each booth.  One volunteer stated, "the Reality Store is an excellent program which helps students begin to think more about their future and how their chosen career can affect their income.  It also helps them realize that making good grades is also important to their financial future."