What is the Turnaround Award Program?
A program recognizing the students from each school in the district who has shown the most effort, commitment and perseverance (program objectives) in turning around his or her life. The special students will be selected by the principals or the schools overall Turnaround Committee.

What criteria are used to determine the winner?
The sponsors furnish no written criteria, so schools can set their own. Examples: A turnaround in attitude, behavior, academic performance, etc. The sponsor should not question the school's judgment in selecting a representative at the area program.

How does a school select a winner?
Teachers are encouraged to nominate students, giving the information to the principal or the schools's Turnaround Committee. If several (12 or more) students are deserving of recognition, the school should be encouraged to stage its won Turnaround event before the area program. It would be conducted the same way as the overall event. Then the principal or committee will select the individual student to represent the school at the area program in May.

How many Turnaround students can a school send to the event?
An allotment of one student per school is permitted.

Why should schools be interested?
This award program addresses the true objective of education: helping children in need change their lives so they can lead and enjoy prosperous lives. This award program helps because it gives "at-risk" students something to shoot for. It also recognizes education's unsung heroes-the teachers who spend the time and effort to work with at-risk youth.

Selecting Student Winners
1. Individual school section:
During a faculty meeting, the principal or designate should explain the program to the teachers, setting the standards for selection. The Turnaround program reflects marked improvements in behavior, attitude, academics or a combination of all three.

2. Teacher nominations:
Establish a deadline for teachers to nominate students for the school's Turnaround committee. The committee then may decide to honor the nominees at the school in an event similar to the district program, and the school would sponsor this event. The school must complete the Turnaround Achievement Awards Student winner Information sheet, and send it to the district contact person.