"My freshman and sophomore year, I never went to class," the 17-year-old says. "I didn't do my homework; I wasn't into social activities. In my junior year they told me I wouldn't graduate. I thought I'd take [the high school equivalency test] and get out."

Instead, Ashleigh enrolled in Pioneer Plus, a continuation high school for students who don't have enough credits to graduate with their class. Now a senior, Ashleigh will receive her diploma in June.

"I got more credits than I needed," she says proudly.

Ashleigh is one of five Pioneer Plus students who were awarded Kiwanis Club Turnaround Scholarships at a May 12 luncheon at Lou's Village restaurant. The Almaden Valley Kiwanis Club and Kiwanis Club of Willow Glen sponsor the $1,000 scholarships for students who make the hard climb up from the bottom of the academic ladder. Evelyn Cruz, Emily McFall, Andy Lazano and Christopher Kelly also received scholarships.

Evelyn had raised her GPA from 2.0 to 4.0 by the time she took early graduation from Pioneer this winter. She plans to study cosmetology at San Jose City College.

The 17-year-old says her parents and teachers helped convince her she could earn her diploma.

"I didn't think I could do it, but when I heard about the Pioneer Plus program, I realized I probably could," she adds.

Ashleigh says her mother helped motivate her to live up to her scholastic potential.

"My mom was really disappointed with the way I was acting," she adds. "She knew I was a really smart girl. I got straight A's in English when I was failing my other classes. She really encouraged me to do better."

Students in the San Jose Unified School District's Plus program benefit from small classes that allow teachers to give them more individual attention. Each campus enrolls a maximum of 20 students in both morning and afternoon sessions. A counselor is the only other faculty member on staff. Students also attend class at a mainstream high school or community college or enroll in vocational training programs at the Central County Occupational Center.

"It takes a lot of extra effort on their part to get them to graduate with their class," says Linda Riley, the Plus program principal. "The vast majority do."

Ashleigh says winning the turnaround scholarship was a real confidence booster. She plans to put the money toward a degree in interior design.

"I've been working really hard for the past two years, and I didn't expect anyone to notice," she adds. "It feels really good to have a reward for all my hard work."