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Congratulations to Our Yes I Can! Award Winners
Join us in congratulating
the Foundation for Exceptional Children’s and CEC’s
2006 Yes I
Can! Award Winners. These children and youth
set an example for all with their impressive
accomplishments.
Academics
Myles
Hunt
Manitoba
Myles Hunt, 16, is a
trailblazer. This young man with cognitive disabilities attends an
inclusive Industrial Maintenance Technician Program. In addition to
designing and manufacturing metal art and performing welding, blueprint
reading, and precision measurement, Myles has opened the door for future
students with disabilities to attend this program. Plus, others rely on
Myles’s positive attitude and contagious enthusiasm.
Myles, we are very proud of all you have
accomplished.
Chantelle Johnstone
Manitoba
Chantelle Johnstone, 11, has
moved from a segregated autism program to a fully integrated 5/6
classroom where she participates in everything from math to music,
recess to physical education. Chantelle has made presentations to the
class on autism and attended camp with her peers. Additionally, she has
learned to be a valued team member. We congratulate Chantelle on her
many achievements.
Jenny Palacios
California
Jenny Palacios, 19,
doesn’t let anything stand in her way, including a learning
disability. This determined young lady increased her reading and math
skills three grade levels, and she received the school’s highest
honor, the Principal’s Award, when she graduated from high school.
She will attend junior college next year and hopes to become a teacher.
Jenny will be a credit to our profession.
Korinda Rusinyak
Virginia
Korinda Rusinyak, 17, is a
scholar. Korinda, who has cerebal palsy was placed in a non-academic
special education class. In fifth grade, she transferred to a general
education class, where she struggled to overcome physical limitations
and achieve academically. Today, Korinda makes straight A’s and is
on the Principal’s List, a National Honor Society member, and a
published author. Korinda also now walks without crutches. Korinda plans
to become a sign language teacher. Korinda is on her way!
Jeffrey Zuckerman
Missouri
A hearing impairment
hasn’t stopped Jeffrey Zuckerman, 18, from being an accomplished
linguist. As a junior, Jeffrey ranked 8th in the National French Language
Competition and is doing a special independent study for a sixth year of
Honors French. He also excels in German 3. Additionally, Jeffrey is an
editor of his school’s award-winning literary magazine, ranks in
the top 5 percent of his class, and is a National merit Commended
Scholar. Jeffrey’s “can do” spirit is truly
inspirational.
Arts
Cutter Elliott
Oklahoma
At 10, Cutter Elliott,
who has cerebral palsy, is already an accomplished singer and actor.
Cutter’s credits include the United Way Celebrity Sing,
Wizard of Oz, Sound of
Music, and various fundraisers, including the
Heisman Trophy Winner Steve Owens
benefit. Cutter has also appeared in several plays, commercials, and
television shows. He even made a special appearance at the Oklahoma CEC
Conference. The world is Cutter’s stage!
Jordan Johnson
Wisconsin
Jordan Johnson, 16, is a
singer, songwriter, poet, and philosopher. This young man with a visual
impairment is a school spokesperson, sings in the choir (which performed
at Disney World in March), and records songs for others in the
community. Jordan has produced two CDs of his songs, which he sells and donates
the proceeds to Guide Dogs of the Desert. This summer
Jordan raised $600, which he also donated to Guide Dogs of the
Desert. Jordan makes life better for all of us through his writing and
music.
Kaleb G. W. King
New York
Autism has taken a back
seat as Kaleb G. W. King, 17, has realized his numerous artistic
talents. Kaleb’s skill extends to all artistic venues: drawing and
painting, chorus, and dramatic/theater arts. He has played lead roles in
numerous musicals, including Seussical the Musical and
Godspell and has participated in All-County choruses. He was also
selected to sing live for an audience of nearly 3,000 for the Broadway
League’s Stars of Tomorrow program. We all benefit from
Kaleb’s love of—and talent in—the
arts.
Athletics
Cameron Campeau
Ohio
Nothing can stop Cameron
Campeau, 18, from achieving his goals. Cameron, who has a learning
disability, is an all-star athlete. He is an invaluable member of his
football team, holding every rushing record at his high school, and is
team captain. Cameron’s athletic prowess also extends to wrestling
and track. Cameron carries his “can do” attitude to
academics. He was honored at the Scholar Athlete Awards for maintaining
a high GPA while participating in sports. Cameron’s leadership on
and off the field is appreciated by all.
Paul Fiehrer
Kentucky
Paul Fiehrer, 17, who has
Asperger’s syndrome, is an accomplished swimmer. He swims with
the county
Special
Olympics and has
placed first in every freestyle race. Paul also is a member of his high
school swim team, and he competes for a nationally known
U.S.A. team. Paul recently won the state championship for
Ohio in
freestyle. Paul also demonstates a true athletic spirit with his
encouragement and support for his teammates. Paul is an outstanding
athlete in every sense of the word.
Kelsey Thomson
British Columbia
Athletics is a passion
for Kelsey Thomson, 17, who has Down syndrome. Just two years after back
surgery, Kelsey competed in Special Olympics. Her events are swimming,
track and field, and rhythmic gymnastics--her favorite. Kelsey has won
three Gold, one Silver, and two Bronze medals, and the Gold for All
Around in her level and age group. Next
year, Kelsey will compete in the Canadian Special Olympics. In addition
to her athletic prowess, Kelsey is famous for her upbeat spirit, which
lifts us all.
Community Service
Brendan Loiacono
Ohio
Brendan Loiacono, 15, is making
a difference in his school and community. As an officer in Project
Support, Brendan led a fundraising effort to raise $1,400 to purchase a
chairlift that would allow his brother and others with disabilities to
access the community’s swimming pool. Brendan also volunteers at
We Care Arts, where he makes crafts to sell, and he is the assistant
varsity statistician for the baseball team. In addition, Brendan makes
presentations to classes explaining what it is like to have
Asperger’s syndrome. We thank Brendan for reaching out to so
many.
Andrew
Rogers
Tennessee
Andrew Rogers, 19, is always
willing to give a helping hand. Andrew is indispensable at a retirement
community and elementary school, where he performs a wide variety of
tasks, including landscaping, which he loves. Andrew also helps his
grandfather and recently helped him cut firewood for some elderly
community members. In addition, Andrew is a greeter at church. As
appreciated as is the work Andrew does, his hugs and ever-present smile
are even more welcome! Andrew brighten’s everyone’s
day.
Employment
Jeffrey Grant
Tennessee
Meet Chef Jeff, otherwise known
as Jeffrey Grant, 19. Jeffrey holds a responsible position at his high
school cafeteria, helping set up the food, assisting servers, and
sanitizing the dishes. Jeffrey, who has a cognitive disability, also
takes the initiative to solve problems, such calling to get the freezer
fixed. Jeffrey is a valued team member and is known for his concern for
others. “This would not be the caring and loving school it is if
it were not for our own Chef Jeff,” says the school’s
principal. Congratulations, Jeffrey, for a job well done.
Eli
Hershberger
Ohio
Eli Hershberger, 21, is one of
McDonald’s most loved, most dependable employees. In 3 ½
years, Eli, who has cognitive disabilities, has advanced from cooking
French fries to a multitude of tasks. Eli also trains many of
McDonald’s crew members. Eli performs assigned duties quickly,
with high quality, and no supervision. In recognition of Eli’s
outstanding work, he has received McDonald’s Employee of the Month
Award twice. Eli is an exemplary employee.
Extracurricular Activity
Eduardo Badescu
Manitoba
Eduardo (Eddie) Badescu, 20, is
a determined young man. A rare neurological disorder that affects speech
and movement has not stopped Eddie from being involved in his school and
community. As president of the Student Council, Eddie has demonstrated
outstanding leadership skills and has spoken at the school’s
graduation and inclusion conference and the Manitoba CEC Conference. He
also competes in boccia tournaments for students with exceptionalities
and has served as a greeter at Wal-Mart and stockboy at video stores.
Eddie is a wonderful emissary for all individuals with
exceptionalities.
Joshua Myers
south Carolina
Joshua Myers, 17, who has
autism, is involved in a wide variety of extracurricular activities. He
is a member of the Student Council, Air Force ROTC, and church youth
group; and he has earned the coveted Eagle Rank in the Boy Scouts.
Joshua also acts, often starring in community plays and a theatrical
troupe. Additionally, Joshua competes in numerous Special Olympics
events. He won the bronze medal in soccer, and at the World Special
Olympics Games and will he will represent South Carolina in
the International Games in July. Keep up the good work,
Joshua!
Independent Living
Rianne Arnold
Florida
Rianne Arnold, 21, is an
independent young lady who can take care of herself. She is a greeter at
a grocery story and recently received a raise. Rianne has also learned
the fundamentals of shopping and budgets her money. She cooks for
herself and others, takes care of the house, makes personal
appointments, and coordinates cab transportation. However, Rianne will
soon be driving—she already has her learner’s permit. She
hopes to move into an apartment with a friend soon. Rianne is well on
her way.
Jeff Goodman
Manitoba
Jeff Goodman, 17, has
dramatically improved his communication skills, moving from sign
language and picture symbols to engaging in conversations with others.
He has also become a patient learner and a risk taker, and he now asks
for more work to do. Over the past year, Jeff excelled at three
different work sites, earning two awards for outstanding work effort. He
also takes public transportation to school. And, Jeff has published a
“Short Story” compilation about sports. Congratulations to
Jeff on his excellent progress.
Self Advocacy
Kaitlin Larabie
Manitoba
Kaitlin Larabie, 10, has
grown from a shy, timid individual to a spokesperson for people with
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. She has spoken to a wide range
of Manitoba dignitaries about FASD, including the Minister of Education and
members of the legislature, and she has been featured on the CTV
national news and CKY’s Manitoba Moments. Kaitlin has also presented
at several conferences. By sharing what it is like to live with FASD,
she has helped destigmatize the disorder. Additionally, Kaitlin
participated in the FASD Awareness March, and she spearheaded her
school’s “Pennies from Heaven” campaign.
Kaitlin’s work helps foster understanding of all people with
disabilities.
Matthew Ross
Florida
Matthew Ross, 14, speaks
up for what is right. When the Junior Golf League prohibited Matt, who
has autism, from playing, he took them on—and won. He also went
to Wahington, D.C., armed with 250 letters from
his peers, to meet with Sen. Ted Kennedy and the committee and advocate
for IDEA. Additionally, Matt has been a guest speaker for Florida's
Children’s Day. “I have a lot more fighting to do for
disability rights,” says Matt. We are so glad Matt is on our
team!
Emily Schmidlin
Ohio
Nothing is beyond Emily
Schmidlin, 18. When she faces a challenge, Emily’s attitude is,
“I’ll figure it out.” Cerebral palsy created multiple
challenges, but Emily communicated her needs to educators and other
professionals and received accommodations. She is now a freshman in
college. Emily also chairs her church’s Definitely-Abled Advisory
Committee, where she serves as the voice of youth with disabilities. Her
committee developed a national speakers bureau to advocate for the
inclusion of people with disabilities. Emily’s work will inspire
thousands of students with disabilities.
Technology
Brooke Bell
Maryland
Brooke Bell, 9, who has
multiple disabilities, has made remarkable progress. Once non-verbal,
she learned to use technology to communicate. She now uses sentences to
express herself and show what she has learned. In fact, she is a very
social young lady who converses with adults and peers and initiates
multiple interactions every day. Brooke has also begun to develop
literacy skills. Brooke’s future is very bright!
Bryan Dooley
North Carolina
Bryan Dooley, 15, is a
whiz at technology. Bryan, who has cerebral palsy, uses technology to
complete assignments independently and communicate with others. He uses
word prediction to type papers and voice output to make oral
presentations. He also trains school staff members and others in the
community on the use of technology. Plus, Bryan is
the person others turn to if they have a problem accessing a program or
developing a spreadsheet. Bryan may be the next
Bill Gates!
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