Students take part in one of the many activities at the 'Adelante Jovenes' event on Saturday, February 12, 2011, in Lake County, Calif. Courtesy photo.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Saturday, Feb. 12, 83 students in grades six through 12 and 39 parents spent the day exploring various colleges and the tools necessary to get to college.

The third annual Adelante Jovenes conference, sponsored by Lake County Office of Education, Lake County College-Going Initiative and Migrant Education, was a huge success with favored activities such as forensics with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Explorers program, Zumba, Reality Check and College Week Live interactive career/college Web sites, and special presentations by Dr. Francisco Reveles of Sacramento State University.

Students spent the day making marshmallow catapults while working on algebra with Ms. Lawson and typing synthetic blood samples as a biology task with Mr. Dominguez.

During this time, the parents were working with representatives from Yuba and Mendocino colleges looking at the FAFSA and exploring the application process that will allow their children to succeed in college.

After a full day of presentations and activities focusing on success rather than survival, the families worked together to compile three goals for their education.

The close of the day was filled with gratitude and a little luck.

A community supported raffle sent many families and individuals away with college t-shirts, movie passes, shopping cards and gift certificates.

Organizers said the event would not be possible without community support.

They thanked the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Sutter Lakeside Wellness Center, Mendo Lake Credit Union, The Locker Room, Bruno’s Shop Smart, Cinema 5, Yuba Community College and Mendocino Community College.

A student shares a t-shirt with one of the important messages of the 'Adelante Jovenes' event on Saturday, February 12, 2011, in Lake County, Calif. Courtesy photo.