Aztecs' Shelton helps to keep kids in school

SAN DIEGO - The number 26 resonates with San Diego State University's starting center Tim Shelton.

Shelton said he nearly became a statistic - a statistic that every 26 seconds, a child drops out of high school.

Growing up in Sacramento, the son of a former NBA player spent time in a homeless shelter and even joined a gang in the fifth grade.

“I have a vivid memory of getting beat up and saying I was okay,” Shelton said of his gang initiation.

Shelton has used his status as the starting center on No. 17 SDSU basketball team to help raise money for the San Diego After School All-Stars "26 Seconds" campaign which will fund programs to encourage at-risk kids to stay in school.

He even wrote a poem about it:

26

Its just a number right?

You're tellin me with 26 that I could save a life.

You're tellin me with 26 I could prevent a fight 

Or  elevate a fallen mind to a higher height 

an overwhelming sight 

to a kid who was like me

Candle light nights because the bills to pricey 

You're telling me with 26 

 I could alter a path. 

put a smile on a face 

Keep a kid in class

maybe change their pace

even make them laugh