Yes I Can! Awards
The Foundation for Exceptional Children annually sponsors this program which was established in 1981 to acknowledge the achievements of children and youth with disabilities; to overcome barriers caused by disabilities or public misconceptions; to encourage children and youth with disabilities to seek their highest potential; and to increase public awareness of the abilities, aspirations, and personal qualities of people with disabilities. Nominees are recognized in one of the following categories: Academics, Arts, Athletics (to include Motor Skills), Community Service, Employment, Extracurricular Activities, and Independent Living Skills (including Self Care Skills). Thirty-five international award winners are recognized annually and given special awards at the CEC Annual Convention. More information and nomination forms are available on the Council for Exceptional Children web site: yesican.sped.org
The Foundation for Exceptional Children encourages, enhances, and empowers children and youth with disabilities, gifts and talents, helping them to attain their greatest potential. Other programs of the Foundation for Exceptional Children include Mini-grants for Special Educators, which provide grants to educators who develop innovative curricula and programs and Scholarship Awards for undergraduate students with exceptionalities.
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2007 Ohio Yes, I Can! Winners
Kelsey Andrews was nominated in the category of Extracurricular Activities . She is a senior at Grandview Heights High School in Columbus . She was nominated by her teacher, Christine Sidon. Many proud letters of support were written by Kie Watkins, Dirctor of Bands; Christine France, Transition Coordinator; Jill McNaughton, Guidance Counselor; and her parents, John and Donna Andrews.
Ms. Sidon said in her nomination how much Kesley has grown from a shy, somewhat reluctant girl, into an outgoing and enthusiastic young woman. Kelsey in a dedicated member of many clubs and sports at school and in the community. She participates in Special Olympics, Down Syndrome PALS group, Grandview 4H Club, “Cats Club,” and the high school band, just to name a few. She has also helped out the March of Dimes by doing a variety of jobs and her group even received an award for their hard work!
Kelsey has a full rich and active life outside of the classroom and is reported to keep her family extremely bus. Kie Watkins wrote, “Kelsey has taught me as well as many high school students what school spirit and pride is all about.” She is proud of what she does and is always excited to show her teachers and friends her accomplishments.”
Jill McNaughton notices how Kelsey has gained confidence as a result of her involvement in all of these activities. She has made many friends and is very friendly to everyone she meets. In the letter that Kelsey's parent wrote, they said they notice how much she has “blossomed” and growth through participating in a variety of activities. She's collected quite a few ribbons and medals along the way, but the competition isn't as important as the participation. She is a great candidate for the “Yes I Can!” award.
Collette Elmore graduated from Orange High School in June, 2006 (socially), but maintains her participation with job training through continuous transitional, vocational and technical educational services. She was nominated by Fran Piunno-Brooks, Transitional Coordinator in the category of Employment . Letters of support were also written by Lynn Jones, the assistant manager of Heinen's Grocery Store, where Collette has been employed for more than 3 years, and by her mother, Colletta Elmore.
Her transition coordinator indicated that Collette has received many awards for her service, attendance, performance, leadership, professional appearance, academic achievement, being a team player, and the list goes on and on. She has been an inspiration to her classmates, teachers, and job coaches. She's even had an offer of full time employment from her employer.
Ms. Jones wrote that, “Collette always comes to work dressed neatly and ready to go” She always has a positive attitude and she has earned six diamonds to wear on her name tag, sponsored by Heinen's corporate office. Employees earn these by displaying exemplary work habits. She has proven her ability to work in a different department, leaving the front of the store where she was most comfortable, to working in the bakery. For Collette, her job is not just a part-time job, but her chosen path towards adult employment and independence.
Collette's mother wrote that she has conquered many hurdles over the past 19 years, but she's always been self-motivated. Her positive attitude clearly impacts her ability to succeed!
Emily “Em” Lawless is a senior at Davidson High School in Hilliard City Schools. She was nominated in the category of Independent Living Skills by her teacher, Ms. Sheila O'Nan. Letters of support were also written by Jeff Cadwallader, school counselor, and her parents, Phil and Elaine. Em also wrote a letter that shared how “proud she is to be a senior.” She also loved “working with Ms. O'Nan”, liked “talking to Mr. Bandow, our principal, he is cool”, and that she asked Mr. Cadwallader, to “walk her across the stage of graduation”!
Ms. O'Nan wrote that Emily has had many challenges to overcome since birth, and three years ago also had a stroke. This slowed her down, but she continues to “bounce back”. Em works in a career site, copying papers and delivering mail. She enjoys socializing with her friends at lunch and attends Biology in a resource room.
Mr. Cadwallader wrote that Emily had a great deal of difficulty interacting with others after her stroke, but now “she has truly blossomed”. She now proudly walks the hallways and drops in to visit her “favorite” people. He said, “Luckily for me, I am blessed to see Em standing outside my doorway”. This young lady brings a smile to many faces and will be missed by all when she graduates.
Finally, Emily's parents wrote about her life struggles and said, “She's never once felt sorry for herself or blamed anyone, just focused on getting better. She has a great sense of humor, a competitive spirit, the kindest hear, and a tremendous drive to make the most of each and every day! If there was anyone who demonstrates a “Yes I Can!” attitude, we can say with unquestionable love and pride, our daughter, Em Lawless, does!”
Theresa Sauter was nominated by her teacher, Terry Asbury, in the Independent Living Skills category. Glowing letters of support were also written by Susan Sisco-Berry, Psychologiest, Barbara Bell, Theresa's aunt, and her parents, Martin and Janice Sauter.
Theresa is a senior at Centerville High School , which is a very large 2-story building. During many of her school years, Theresa had an adult attendant accompany her to each class. At the end of her sophomore year, Theresa, alone, made the decision to be independent throughout the school day without any help from an attendant, to prepare herself for college. Despite being in a wheelchair and the short time span to make it from class to class, Theresa manages to get to all of her classes and get to the school bus at the end of the day on time! Ms. Asbury wrote, “She has gone all over her school, constantly upstairs an back downstairs (using her elevator key), and has become self sufficient at keeping up with each teacher's texts, homework and daily materials.”
Theresa is a very dedicated student and an active member in school activities. She has been able to go on field trips without any assistance and even tackled a corn maze on her own! She makes sure to attend school functions such as school dances and football games. At home, Theresa helps with groceries, cooking, cleaning and laundry. Her parents said that “she works on homework until it is done, even if it takes all evening to do.”
One thing that was evident in all letters received was that Theresa always has a positive attitude, no matter how difficult the task may be. Susan Sisco-Berry described Theresa as having “the sweetest disposition and sunniest smile of anyone I've ever met!” and is a role model for all… with a constant “can-do” attitude! Her aunt, Barbara Bell, said that when Theresa sets goals, she always achieves them!
Tasmin Smith is an 8 th grader at Alexander G. Bell in Cleveland Municipal Schools. Tasmin was nominated in the category of Academic Achievement by her teacher, Deborah Callahan. She also had letters of support from her building principal, Amy Peck; Cleveland Sight Center 's Coordinator of Special Events, Faye Jones; Deaf Educator, Anne Marie Kennedy; and Tasmin's mother, Carol Wimberly. Tasmin also wrote a letter thanking her teachers and her mom for helping her.
“In spite of Tasmin's visual and hearing difficulties, she has outstanding grades and frequently makes the honor or merit roll,” Ms. Callahan wrote. She's referenced as being “dependable and responsible” and a “leader” at her school. She provides an excellent role model as to how a mature middle school student should act. Ms. Peck, her principal wrote, “She is a classic example of what a student that wants to achieve in school demonstrates.”
She also volunteered last year at a camp for students with visual impairments. Her help was said to be “invaluable” by the coordinator, Faye Jones. She's also described as being upbeat and positive!
Her mother wrote, “Even though she has a full schedule with school and home, Tasmin finds the time to do the things she loves most – fashion. She wants to become a model/designer. Whatever direction she decides to go, I'll be behind her 100%. She deserves the best!”
Click Here to visit the Yes I Can! section of the CEC web site.