By Sherry Koonce

The News staff writer

NEDERLAND — Surrounded by family, teachers and a special canine friend, 15-year-old Brittany Burke was honored Wednesday as this year’s Shining Star Award recipient.

Sponsored by the Precinct 7 Justice of the Peace office, the annual award is given to a student who has been in trouble, but made positive changes in their life.

“It was real surprised to win this award, but I have learned it’s very possible to turn your life around,” the Nederland High School freshman said.

Started in 2003, the annual award is given to a Nederland or Port Neches-Groves high school or middle school student who was nominated by a school teacher or counselor. Often those students have come before the JP court for infractions such as skipping school, using drugs, or problems at home, Precinct 7 JP Brad Burnett said.

“Brittany has taken advantage of opportunities and is shining with a big turnaround,” Burnett said. “She was into drugs and has returned as a changed young lady.”

In Burke’s case, drug use took her down a negative path that resulted in a 48-day placement — from November 206 to Feb. 2007 — at Nederland’s alternative school campus.

“I was being immature and making choices that were harming myself and my relationship I had with my family,” she said.

Ashley Massey, one of Burke’s instructors from the alternative school campus, attended a reception at Burnett’s court Wednesday. There, Burke was presented a certificate and had her name added to an engraved plaque with previous Shining Star winners.

It’s not unusual — even typical — that students return to the alternative campus time and time again, Massey said.

“I thought this one will be back. But, she proved me wrong,” Massey said.

It did not take too long for Massey to realize how intelligent the new student was. During her stay, Burke quickly made enough progress to be assigned to take care of Dakota — a lovable Airedale Terrier that is the centerpiece of the campuses’ pet therapy program.