Published: May 13, 2006 12:19 am            

Students rewarded for turning their lives around

Jesse Gonzalez said he had trouble controlling his temper, was confrontational with other students and disrespected his teachers two years ago.

But today, teachers and students see a different person. The Enid High School senior has made a drastic turnaround, and he credits God for changing him.

“God renovated me from the inside out,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez said he had a “violence problem” and was filled with hurt and anger, which made him act out at school. But, now he said it is a great feeling to know his school leaders and teachers support him and are proud of him.

“It’s a relief to know that people support you,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez and six other area students will be honored during the Turnaround Achievers Breakfast at 9:30 a.m. today at Oakwood Country Club. Sen. Patrick Anderson, R-Enid, will give a short motivational speech.

Turnaround Achievers are honored each year for making a significant change in their lives and making a commitment to doing better in school. Some of the students have worked hard all their lives, but personal obstacles have prevented them from reaching their goals. Through effort, perseverance and commitment they finally made the turnaround, and their teachers or administrators took notice.

The students were nominated for the award by their principals or instructors. Gonzalez said the recognition is the first “gift” God has given him, and he is ready to receive more gifts. Gonzalez said he plans to get a short-term job this summer and see where God guides him to college.

Other students being honored and their schools are: Trey Rasco, Cimarron; Brandon VanAlphen, Waller Junior High School; Matt Rowland, Longfellow Junior High School; Sean Breeze, Waukomis High School; Julian Jiles, Emerson Junior High School; and Nick Phillips, Covington-Douglas.

Rasco is a talented artist who is part of a team that helps with school activities and upkeep of the school, his teacher wrote in his nomination letter.

VanAlphen has become involved in the band, and he’s learned to accept more responsibility since he has been at Waller.

“Each year at Waller Junior High, Brandon has shown improvement in all areas,” Jim Rainey, Waller assistant principal wrote in the nomination letter.

Rowland has “completely stayed out of trouble” this year, and he is respectful to all teachers and students, his letter states.

Breeze has worked hard to meet his goal of graduating with the class of 2006. He attended day and night classes to complete all course work.

Jiles will be introduced at the breakfast by Jane DiLuzio, Emerson teacher.

Phillips always has been respective to classmates and teachers, but has recently found ways to motivate himself in the classroom, according to his nomination letter. He struggled in some subjects his freshman year but has since started to do well in all of his classes.