Yes I Can! Award

Within two minutes of meeting Paul Hamm, you will be impressed not only by the nine year old's energy but his charisma. It is not surprising that the Beaumont student was recently awarded a Yes I Can! Award for athletics.

"It felt great. A lot of people were congratulating me. I thought to myself, this has got to be a big deal. I had to get a suit for the award ceremony. I got a dark blue tie and a casual business blazer. Basically a jacket like what a business man wears," Paul shares with a big grin stretched across his face.

Paul was born with Cerebral Palsy, but is determined not to let anything slow him down. He plays sledge hockey and also has a passion for running cross country."I forget about my cerebral palsy. I like to see how far I can go. I just go out there and have fun. I push other kids. I like to say, hey you are doing good. Let's see more of what you got."

The Yes I Can! Awards were created to recognize the achievements of students who have special needs and of the adults who support them. The awards are presented as part of the annual conference of the Manitoba Council for Exceptional Children.

A number of Pembina Trails students and educators were honoured this year:

• Oak Park student, Nathanael Cheater, was awarded a Transition Scholarship;
• Oak Park student, Andy Wong, was awarded a Transition Scholarship;
• General Byng educational assistant, Tom Peever, won Educational Assistant of the Year;
• Pembina Trails' Career and Community Experiences teacher, Marsha Barter-Cook, was named Outstanding Educator of the Year.

There is only one outstanding educator awarded in Manitoba. Vincent Massey resource teacher, Dale Christiuk, nominated Marsha Barter-Cook and says there is no one more deserving."There is no doubt that Marsha's work has provided students with special needs with a starting point towards finding meaningful and sustained employment after graduation. The impact that she has had on the lives of exceptional youth is immeasurable," shared Mrs. Christiuk.

Congratulations to all the winners. You are true inspirations and we are proud of what you have accomplished.