Turner's Speech to construction workers at Sun Trust Park

Despite suffering a tremendous personal loss, Kennesaw State cheerleader Courtney Turner is turning a family tragedy into an opportunity to give back and educate others so they don't experience a similar misfortune.

On December 1, 2011, Courtney's father, Karlos, was working on a construction site in Atlanta. He went up 40 feet in a boom lift to check something on the building when the lift malfunctioned and he tragically plunged to his death.

Courtney was a senior in high school at the time of her father's death. She and her family were devastated and did not know as to where to turn to help pay for her education at Kennesaw State. That is when she was told by her pastor about Kid's Chance of Georgia. The organization's mission is to provide educational scholarships to the children of Georgia workers who have been seriously, catastrophically or fatally injured in work-related accidents. Turner was awarded a scholarship in the spring of 2011 and enrolled at Kennesaw State that August.

Being a recipient of help by others' generosity, Turner is now showing her appreciation by helping others. Working on behalf of Kid's Chance of Georgia, Courtney has made numerous speaking engagements where she talks about the importance of safety in the workplace, especially on construction sites.

"My Kid's Chance scholarship has helped me pay for college, because my dad made the income in our family," Turner said. "I spread awareness of this scholarship because many kids like me that have suffered from a severe family loss will lose hope. They don't try to get help for college or move forward in life. This scholarship motivates me to do more, and pays for some of my education. I want other children to have the opportunity I have. Raising awareness and money for the scholarship program means one more student has potential to graduate and make something of themselves."

When Turner is not at school or cheering on the Owls from the sidelines she is out speaking to large groups sharing her father's story.

"I have spoken atSunTrust Park three times, at two Kid's Chance conferences, two Worker's Claim conferences, and a few minor events," Turner said."SunTrust was my largest event as I spoke to over 1,000 people on work safety. Yes, I speak in awareness of work safety and to raise money for the program that helps put me through college but I also speak out because accidents can be prevented.

"My dad's death could have been prevented if the machine had the proper maintenance done. I use my story to really touch workers' hearts and emotionally move them. This way they have a reason to be extra careful and prevent accidents in every way possible," Turner added. "My story is tragic, but it is a touching story that implants a memory of a little girl who lost her dad/hero into the heads of workers and plays as a reminder for them to be safe. Accidents affect not only the workers but their families, friends, and coworkers. I speak so other families do not feel the loss that I have."

Turner said she struggles and misses her father everyday but knows he is constantly watching over her and would be proud of what she is doing.

"I will always miss my dad and dream of what it would be like if he was here to see me cheer on the sidelines at football games, basketball games, and preforming, but I know he is smiling down from heaven and is proud that I am helping others have an opportunity to succeed like me and proud that I am raising awareness for work safety so many other people do not have to go through what I have faced in my life," Turner said. "My dad taught me to love everyone for who they are, to smile 24/7 to brighten someone's day, and to do whatever you can for other people even if you get nothing in return. I live my life by the rules my daddy taught me and always put others first. By following his ways, I have gained happiness and peace in his death. My life will go on in his honor."

Check out the video link above to see Turner tell her story and discuss work place safety at SunTrust Park.

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