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Community Education of Forest Lake Area Schools kicked off its second annual Extreme Fundraising event to support the Forest Lake Teen Center, at 3 p.m. Monday, when Wyoming Mayor Sheldon Anderson took to the roof of Wyoming City Hall. He will remain on the roof until noon on March 1 in an effort to raise money and draw attention to the importance of the Teen Center for area youth.

The Forest Lake Teen Center provides a valuable service for teens, families and the community. Junior high school students, many of whom might otherwise go home to empty houses, are able to attend the Teen Center free of charge after school, Monday through Thursday during the school year. Research conducted through the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Youth Development has found that youth who participate in after school activities experience benefits in both academic achievement and behaviors related to school performance including:

• Better attitudes toward school and higher educational aspirations;

• Higher school attendance rates and less tardiness;

• Less disciplinary action (e.g. suspension);

• Lower drop out rates;

• Better performance in school, as measured by achievement test scores and grades.

Anderson and Community Education staff are seeking help in raising money to keep the doors open at the Teen Center. Those interested in making a donation can contact the Wyoming City Hall or go to the website www.extremefundraisin g.blogspot.com.

Community members can also participate in the "My heart supports the Teen Center" campaign by purchasing a "heart" at local businesses. All proceeds benefit the Teen Center. These hearts will provide a visual reminder of supporters' deep concern for youth and of community support of the mayor's extreme fundraising efforts.

During the past six years, the Teen Center has been able to remain open only through the generous financial support of area residents and businesses. The Community Education Department hopes to continue to provide this safe, supervised after-school program for youth.

For more information, please contact Laurie Drolson, Secondary Youth & Adult Programs Coordinator, at (651) 982-8334, or by email at [email protected].

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