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The 2004 Yes I Can! Award Winners Exhibit Pride and Inspire

The weather in New Orleans was warm and beautiful on April 16, but that Friday afternoon nothing was warmer than the hearts of the Yes I Can! award winners. As the more than two dozen award winners gathered on the stage - all dressed in their very best finery, chests puffed out with pride, and wide smiles spreading sunshine around the room - you could feel the excitement. Finally, the time had come, the time when these children and youth would be recognized for their achievements with the Yes I Can! awards, the only awards dedicated to the accomplishments of children and youth with disabilities.

The room was filled to bursting with more than 600 parents, relatives, teachers, and friends - all ready to honor each youth as his or her name was called and his or her story read. Tears of happiness snuck their way in amidst the flashing camera bulbs, cheers, and pride in children and youth who won't give up, who achieve despite their disabilities, and who inspire us all to exceed our boundaries.

Meet some of these outstanding award winners and hear their stories.

Chris Hayes, 14, is an honor roll student who, despite not having the use of his legs and limited use of his hands, always displays kindness, loves to learn, and serves as a model for others. Chris' attitude and determination to excel motivate other students in his class to work hard and make every effort to do their best.

"He (Chris) makes kids better students, teachers better instructors, and administrators better decision makers," his nominator, Drew Uecker, says.

Devin Hill, 11, who has a visual impairment, is a pianist, vocalist, artist, actress, and writer. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the 2003 Helen Kellar International Art Award.

"My vision impairment does not stop me from dreaming and making goals for myself," says Devin. "I think any person will gain achievements when you are determined and stick with what you want to do."

Jeffrey Slifka, 18, is one of our award winners in extracurricular activity. Jeffrey set a goal to become an Eagle Scout. Autism was no setback as he completed a community service project in which he solicited businesses and individuals to donate books to Teach Tots Early, Pre-Primary Impaired Programs, and The Guidance Head Start Program. Jeffrey collected 4,500 books!

Christopher Hill, 20, has progressed from being totally dependent to living with little assistance. Chris won an Independent Living Skills Award, because he has moved out on his own and makes decisions regarding his own household.

"Christopher has shown his teachers and fellow students that it's your Yes I Can! attitude that makes goals happen against great odds," Patricia Wright, Chris' teacher, says.

Anna Ramach, 16, was recognized for her achievement in the Arts for her portrayal of the angry juror in 12 Angry Men. This amazing young woman also treated the audience to an impromptu performance. Anna shared her story. She explained the frustrations and challenges she faces as an individual with deafness, as well as the many joys in her life. She concluded her performance by giving the audience the chance to experience deafness. As she signed and moved her lips, not a sound was heard in the room.

Joy. Success. Pride. All were present at the Yes I Can! Awards. CEC Today, the Yes I Can! Foundation for Exceptional Children, and CEC congratulate each of our Yes I Can! Award winners and their parents and teachers. You all inspire us to do our best. Nominate a student for a Yes I Can! Award in academics, arts, athletics, community service, employment, extracurricular activities, independent living skills, technology, or self-advocacy. For more information, visit www.cec.sped.org.