Salem-Keizer Students Honored for Turning Their Lives Around

The complete list of winners can be found inside this story.

Front row (L to R): Eduardo Espinoza, Katarina France, Candra Dunn, Jordan Donnell, Elise Gwynn, Vanessa Vasquez. Middle row (L to R): Luis Ramirez, Justin Simons, Daniel Ahumada, Travis Warrington, Robin Cassidy, Yaneth Valencia, Tameca Adams, Rena Kellison, Terra Poitra. Back row (L to R): Ross Wilson, Cesar Beltran, Miguel Maravilla, Jonathan Curiel, Kent McCormick. Photo: Salem-Keizer School District

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Twenty-one middle and high school students were honored at the 13th annual Turnaround Achievement Awards held on May 16th at Willamette Lutheran Homes in Keizer.

The awards, sponsored by Town and Country Lanes in Keizer, are given to students who have made the effort to change their lives for the better.

Many of these students were struggling in school and were on the verge of dropping out when they decided to make a change and turn their lives around.

For their work and dedication, they were nominated by their schools as their Turnaround Achievement Award recipients.

The ceremony included special guests from Salem and Keizer.

Each student came with a school staff member, who told those in attendance a little bit about the recipient.

Parents and many community members also attended the event to show their support and appreciation to these students who have made a conscious effort to turn their lives in a better direction.

2007 Turnaround Achievement Award Recipients were:

• Claggett Creek Middle School:Daniel Ahumada
• Crossler Middle School:Katarina France
• Houck Middle School :Jordan Donnell
• Howard Street Charter Middle School:Candra Dunn
• Judson Middle School :Tameca Adams
• Leslie Middle School:Rena Kellison
• McKay High School :Ryan Bailey
• McNary High School:Ross Wilson
• North High School :Terra Poitra
• Parrish High School:Justin Simons
• Roberts Program @ Chemeketa:Vanessa Vasquez
• Roberts Program @ Early College High School (ECHS):Luis Ramirez
• Roberts Program @ Downtown Learning Center (DTLC):Eduardo Espinoza
• South High School :Cesar Beltran
• Sprague High School:Travis Warrington
• Stephens Middle School:Yaneth Valencia
• Waldo Middle School :Miguel Maravilla
• Walker Middle School:Kent McCormick
• West High School:Robin Cassidy
• Whiteaker Middle School:Elise Gwynn
• Blanchet Catholic School:Jonathan Curiel