ENID — Students from area schools who have overcome difficulties in both school and life will be feted Saturday morning at Oakwood Country Club.

At the Turnaround Achievement Awards breakfast, students will be given a plaque to commemorate their success.

Turnaround Achievement Awards will go to eight students attending school at Enid, Garber, Chisholm and Covington-Douglas.

The students were nominated by teachers or administrators, who wrote about how the students have overcome difficulties to make better grades or become more active in school.

Dennis Luckinbill will be guest speaker at the breakfast event. Students to be honored are:

• Rachael Burk, Enid High School. Burk is being honored for overcoming some behavioral problems that caused her to not to well academically.

“Additionally, she has worked through family challenges,” her nomination form reads. “She has worked to maintain a 3.1 GPA. She is now taking an advanced placement art class. She is now considering her post-graduation options.”

• Ridge Buzzard, Longfellow Middle School. Buzzard is being recognized for improving his behavior and grades over his eighth-grade year.

• Isaah Gonzales, Lincoln Academy. School staff praise Gonzales as a role model to other students.

“Isaah is a brilliant student with a multitude of talents,” his nomination form reads. “He is an artist and a comedian. He is also very polite and respectful to his peers and teachers. He is a hard worker in his classes and is an excellent role model for other students. He also is a kind student to others who may need help. Everyone considers him their friend.”

• Tyler Sims, Garber High School. Sims is being honored for pushing through some early academic problems this school year and excelling.

“Many students ‘turn a new leaf’ in high school, but Tyler ‘turned a new life.’ His ‘turnaround’ was a process that did not start immediately in the ninth grade,” his nomination form reads. “However, his ‘new life’ is on-going, and ever developing. ... Tyler has exceptional grades, but recently he was overheard saying, ‘Principal’s Honor Roll? I’m shooting for the Superintendent’s Honor Roll!’”

• Jessie Thayer, Covington-Douglas High School. Thayer’s grades have improved this year, according to school staff,.

“He has always had a great attitude, but now it appears that he is enjoying school and enjoying the involvement around school,” his nomination form reads.

• Enrique Torres, Enid High School. Torres has overcome several obstacles during his high school career and now is a model student at Autry Technology Center.

“He went from remedial math to pre-advanced placement Algebra 2 in four years,” his nomination form reads. “He is now a student in the medical assistant program at Autry Technology and his photo has been used on several fliers for the center.

“Additionally, he works part-time to help with the bills at home as his mom fights a life-threatening illness. He hopes to attend OU or University of Texas for further medical training.”

• Tim Voss, Chisholm High School. Voss is being honored for changing his attitude about school and learning.

“Taking full responsibility for his attitude and all past choices, he humbly, proudly entered my room with paper, pencil, and a smile and prepared to work,” his nomination form reads. “A little fear was in his eyes, but he never wavered. He consistently asked questions, turned in above average work, always turned in assignments on time, and never complained, whined, or demonstrated an ounce of disrespect toward his peers or to me. His smile, positive attitude and strength are inspirational. As we study and learn in literature, a hero is one who is strong, brave, humble, tenacious, loyal, compassionate , courageous, and overcomes obstacles.

“Regardless how strong or amazing this person may be, he has weaknesses. After teaching for several years, I have had the opportunity me meet real-life heroes in my classroom. Tim Voss is such a hero.”

• Quishema White, Emerson Middle School. After struggling in sixth and seventh grades, White is recognized for turning things around this year.

“Quishema White is a conscientious young lady with a respectful and quiet demeanor,” her nomination form reads. “Quishema struggled with her course work in sixth and seventh grade. Just getting the hang of how ‘life’ in a middle school setting operates was tough. Academically, she found herself just trying to keep her head above water.

“This school year has seen a blossoming for Quishema. Everyone has clicked into place. Along with being on the track team, Quishema has truly embraced her academics and has maintained a 3.1 grade average for this school year. Before a track meet, she always makes sure to check with teachers for assignments that will be missed. She makes the extra effort to come in on her own time to make up quizzes and tests. In class, she works hard to complete assignments and always demonstrates a willing attitude to work with anyone in whose group she is assigned to work. The smile on her face each day, her gentle spirit and kind words attract others to her. It is certainly a pleasure to have Quishema in class each and every day. She has a bright future ahead of her.”

Sponsors of the event are Oakwood Bowl and Enid News & Eagle.