NEWS RELEASE Contact: Alex Taylor (860) 509-0909 ext.19 ataylor@ctforum.org March 11, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Student Exchange Event to Honor Teen Alum Students to celebrate life of Stefan Ankle, CT YOUTH Forum alum and former Wilcox Tech Valedictorian who died March 1, 2015 after battle with Leukemia Hartford, CT – More than 300 high school students from throughout Greater Hartford will come together for the CT YOUTH Forum’s 21st Annual Student Exchange Event to explore the theme “What if?” and pay tribute to the life and legacy of Stefan Ankle, a beloved CT YOUTH Forum alumni who died on March 1, 2015 after battling a rare form of Leukemia The CT YOUTH Forum’s 21st Annual Student Exchange Event takes place on Thursday, March 19 from AM– PM at the University of Hartford The event is at full capacity Students will participate in a full day of adult-facilitated small and large group discussions and activities that explore the theme, “What if?” Additional activities at this free, day-long event include an open-mic talent show, a dance with a DJ, food, games, and the chance to explore the University of Hartford Stefan Ankle was a friend and mentor to many students during his four years as a member of the CT YOUTH Forum He was an active participant in the YOUTH Forum’s Leadership Network and received the honor of being appointed to The CT Forum’s Board of Directors as a student member A 2013 graduate from H C Wilcox Technical High School, Ankle was captain of the GUS 228 Robotics Team and valedictorian of the Class of 2013 “Our Forum Family is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Stefan Ankle,” said CT Forum Executive Director Doris Sugarman “Stefan was a brilliant young man with the world at his fingertips He will be greatly missed.” The Annual Student Exchange Event provides the unique opportunity for students from more than 25 Hartford area towns to connect and engage across the divides of geography, race, social and economic status, and more For more information or for media coverage at this event, please contact Alex Taylor at ataylor@ctforum.org or (860) 509-0909 ext 19 The Connecticut Forum ▪ 750 Main Street Hartford, CT 06103 ▪ (860) 509-0909 ▪ www.ctforum.org The Connecticut Forum is a nonprofit organization that serves Connecticut and beyond with live, unscripted panel discussions among renowned experts and celebrities, and community outreach programs including the Connecticut YOUTH Forum Its mission: to encourage the free and active exchange of ideas in Forums that inform, challenge, entertain, inspire and build bridges among all people and organizations in our community The Connecticut YOUTH Forum operates on a single premise: stereotypes are challenged, prejudices are dispelled and communities are built when we talk, listen and connect Each year, more than 750 youth from 40 Connecticut high schools connect across geographic, economic, social and racial divides to engage in the activities of the award-winning YOUTH Forum program The Connecticut Forum ▪ 750 Main Street Hartford, CT 06103 ▪ (860) 509-0909 ▪ www.ctforum.org