Wyoming Elem. Principal Conway is 2012 On Behalf of Youth Award winner

Wyoming Elementary School Principal Mike Conway is the recipient of the 2012 On Behalf of Youth Award in recognition of his commitment and service to youth in the community. Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau has given this award to one adult and one youth annually since 2000.

Conway will be presented the award during his retirement reception at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, at Wyoming Elementary School. He is retiring after 40 years as an educator in the Forest Lake Area Schools system. Conway was nominated for this award by Linda Madsen, Superintendent at Forest Lake Area Schools, because of “his presence at community events, his support of local businesses, his leadership in joining together the schools and the community and his passion for Wyoming Elementary.” He has a reputation of building relationships with students and being a mentor to staff. He truly cares for the youth in the community and according to Madsen, his dedication to youth, parents and staff exceeds that of most school leaders. “He has a quiet presence that demands respect and encourages the best in all who are around him,” she says.

A Forest Lake resident since 1973, he is an active member of the community. He has been a long-time supporter of LAYSB, served on the Board of Directors for 14 years, and currently participates in the Forest Lake School District “Coat Fund,” which provides winter clothing to children in need. In his spare time, Conway is a family man. He and his wife of 41 years, Rose, both come from large families and all 13 of their siblings live in the metro area. “Family functions are often, important and wonderfully fun,” says Conway. Two sons, Dan, his wife and their three daughters live in Portland, Oregon, and Kyle lives in Minneapolis.

About the On Behalf of Youth Award
The annual On Behalf of Youth Award honors individual community members who provide meaningful services or activities for youth. Each year, one adult and one youth receive the award. To be eligible, the nominee must live or work in LAYSB’s primary service area (ISD #831 and all of Chisago County), be a positive role model for youth, help to break down barriers between youth and adults and provide enthusiastic leadership to youth above and beyond job or volunteer duties.

About Lakes Area Youth Services Bureau (LAYSB)
LAYSB is a nonprofit organization serving Forest Lake Area School District communities in Washington and Anoka Counties and all communities in Chisago County. The mission of LAYSB is to ensure the success of youth. Programs and services reflect the belief that youth will be successful when relationships are strong, families are involved, communities are caring, harmony is restored and youth have the skills and opportunities for citizenship. For more information, visit our website at www.ysblakesarea.org.