Turnaround Awards honor 23 Salem, Keizer students who beat the odds

Teenagers who found success in school despite anxiety, peer pressure, personal hardship and academic struggles were recognized at a Thursday afternoon ceremony at the Keizer Civic Center.

The 29th annual Turnaround Achievement Awards honored 23 students — one from each middle and high school in the Salem-Keizer School District, as well as a few attending private schools.

“I don’t think there is any more inspiring story than a turnaround story,” said Andrea Castañeda, Salem-Keizer School…