A group of exceptional Manitobans earned recognition at an awards ceremony last week.
On Feb. 26, the Manitoba Council for Exceptional Children hosted its 36th annual Yes I Can! Awards at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg. The event also coincides with Inclusive Education Month, which takes place in February.
Award recipient Hayden Flett with education assistant Harpreet Gill, auntie/guardian Kasandra Flett and Lagimodière MLA Tyler Blashko
These awards aim to acknowledge the achievements of children and youth with exceptionalities and to overcome barriers or public misconceptions. The awards also encourage children and youth with exceptionalities to seek their highest potential while increasing awareness of the abilities, aspirations and personal qualities of people with exceptionalities.
Nominees could be recognized for achievements in academics, arts, athletics, technology, self-advocacy, school and community activities and transition. Some Yes I Can! Award winners might also be selected as nominees for future international Yes I Can! Awards.
Teresa Yestrau, chair of the 2026 Yes I Can! Awards, said the nominations for each category opens in June with a submission deadline at the end of October. Schools across the province receive information about them.
A committee made up of volunteer educators reviews the nominations to determine eligibility and select winners. The winners are invited to the awards ceremony, along with their families, nominators, school principals, classmates, divisional special education representatives and anyone else who wants to celebrate these achievements. About 500 people attended the heart-warming event.
“The Yes I Can! Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate achievements for students who have to work incredibly hard to achieve the success that they do. We also celebrate those who make the students’ success possible,” Yestrau said.
“There are many awards in the school system for academic excellence or athleticism. There are very few awards for those who do not fit those categories. This is a way for us to recognize the amazing amount of work that the students or staff have put in to be successful.”
MCEC supports people who are working to advance effective practices in providing services to youth with exceptional needs. This includes teachers, educational assistants, resource teachers, pre-service teachers and anyone working in the field of special education.
“We are a chapter of the larger Council of Exceptional Children. We work collaboratively with school divisions, government, support agencies and associations with the same focus,” Yestrau said.
“We run an annual provincial conference during the same dates as Yes I Can! as well as sessions during MTS PD Day and other professional development at universities or local areas where requested.”
During the awards ceremony, the presentation also included giving out certificates or recognition, the MCEC Teacher of the Year Award, the MCEC Education Assistant of the Year Award, the Outstanding Educator of the Year Award and the MCEC Outstanding Achievement Award.
“I have had the opportunity to attend Yes I Can! Awards at the provincial and international level. Manitoba’s awards are the best I have ever attended,” she said. “They are the most positive, inclusive and respectful event you will ever attend. Once you attend, you will see how the people in the room that evening will touch your heart.”
From Teulon Collegiate Institute, Grade 10 student Carson Lowe received a Yes I Can! Award for arts. His nominator, Amber Oughton, worked with Carson for the past three years as his learning support teacher. His mom also recommended him for the award.
“He has been an incredible source of light in our school community. Carson is truly one of a kind. Every single day, he walks into the school with a big, beaming smile that instantly lifts the spirits of those around him,” Oughton said in her nomination letter.
“His joy is absolutely contagious — his giggles and laughs are infectious, often causing an entire room to erupt in smiles and laughter right along with him. No matter what the day brings, he finds a way to brighten everyone’s day with his presence.”
With a creative flair, one of Carson’s greatest passions is art.
“He expresses himself beautifully through a variety of creative outlets including drawing, colouring, digital paint-by-numbers and experimenting with mixed media. Whether he’s using markers, paint or computer programs, he pours his heart into every piece he creates. His unique perspective and imaginative flair shine through in his artwork, making each creation truly special,” Oughton said.
“Art is not just an activity for him — it’s a joyful form of expression and a powerful way for him to connect with the world around him. Carson’s ability to replicate popular animated characters is absolutely remarkable. Just by watching a movie like Despicable Me, Carson can draw each of the characters with incredible detail from memory. It is truly amazing to watch.”
Carson is well-deserving of the recognition through the award, she added.
“Carson reminds us daily of the power of positivity, the importance of inclusion and the value of every individual’s unique contributions,” she said. “His presence is a gift, and I believe he fully embodies the spirit of the Yes I Can! Award.”
Oughton also nominated education assistant Brandi Roberts for the EA of the Year award, which was won by Dayna Trann of West Kildonan Collegiate.
“Brandi exemplifies dedication, compassion and professionalism in everything she does. Her impact reaches far beyond her daily responsibilities — she enriches the lives of students, staff and families through her unwavering commitment and genuine care,” she said.
“From the moment she begins her day, Brandi approaches her work with energy, purpose and kindness. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that her students feel supported, understood and valued. Whether she is assisting with academic tasks, helping to regulate emotions or simply offering a smile and a few encouraging words, Brandi brings warmth and positivity to every interaction.”
What sets Roberts apart is the deep, heartfelt relationships she builds with her students, Oughton added.
“She takes the time to truly know them — their personalities, strengths and challenges — and uses that knowledge to help them thrive. Her patience and empathy create an environment where students feel safe to take risks, make mistakes and grow both academically and emotionally.”
“Brandi has a natural ability to gently push her students toward their fullest potential. She recognizes their capabilities, even when they might not see them themselves, and encourages them with just the right balance of support and challenge.”
Above all, Oughton said Roberts embodies empathy and care in everything she does.
“Her compassion is evident in the way she celebrates student achievements, provides comfort during difficult moments and uplifts those around her with genuine encouragement. She not only supports students in reaching their goals but also inspires everyone she works with to lead with heart,” she said.
“In every way, Brandi represents the very best of what it means to be an educational assistant. Her dedication, adaptability and kindness make her an invaluable member of our school and a cherished part of our community.”
From Grosse Isle School, Grade 8 student Theodore Hill also received a Yes I Can! Award for arts. His nominator, Monica Baldwin, has been teaching Theo for the past four years.
“It has been a joy to watch his incredible growth and progress during this time. Theo has made tremendous strides both academically and socially. Over the years, Theo has become far more independent and confident in his abilities,” she said.
“He approaches his learning with focus and a growing sense of self-direction. Theo is well liked by both students and staff, and his kind, thoughtful and often humorous personality makes him a joy to be around.”
In addition to Theo’s personal and academic growth, his artistic talent is truly outstanding.
“He is an incredibly creative student who has developed his artistic skills across several mediums. His ability to merge his love of art with his fascination with dinosaurs is unique and inspiring, resulting in artwork that reflects both his imagination and his deep knowledge of the subject,” Baldwin said.
“Theo even created a mural on the library wall at the end of last year and is admired by all that see it. Allowing Theo ample opportunity to draw and paint while at school has also helped him regulate and focus more while listening in class. I am excited to see what his future will bring with this amazing talent of his.”
Theo’s journey at Grosse Isle School has been one of consistent effort, personal growth and achievement.
“He exemplifies the perseverance, creativity, and positive spirit that the Yes I Can! Awards celebrate,” she said. “It has been an honour to be part of his educational journey and to witness the young man he has become.”
From Stony Mountain School, Hayden Flett was recognized with an academic award. Learning support teacher Shivani Agnihotri and classroom teacher Chelsea Dutkiewich nominated Hayden for the recognition. All of his teachers supported this nomination in recognition of his remarkable perseverance, growth and determination.
“Over the years we have taught and supported him, we witnessed extraordinary progress, not only academically but also in his self-regulation and ability to navigate the classroom environment with increasing independence and confidence. Although Hayden is mostly non-verbal, he consistently finds meaningful ways to demonstrate his understanding. His exceptional memory and advanced spelling abilities highlight his strong academic potential,” Agnihotri said.
“In addition to his academic strengths, Hayden has shown tremendous resilience in managing transitions and adapting to busy classroom routines. His flexibility, patience and quiet determination allow him to thrive in situations that can often be overwhelming. He works tirelessly and never gives up, embodying the spirit of the Yes I Can! Award through his actions every single day.”
This type of recognition is incredibly important because it celebrates ability, growth and resilience in students who may not always be recognized through traditional measures of success, she added.
“Awards like Yes I Can! highlight the strengths and accomplishments of students with exceptionalities, helping to shift the focus from limitations to potential. For students like Hayden, recognition validates their hard work and reinforces the message that their efforts matter,” Agnihotri said.
“It also promotes awareness, acceptance and inclusion within the broader community. Celebrating students who overcome challenges through perseverance helps inspire others and continues to foster a school culture that values diversity, determination and achievement in all its forms.”
Beyond Hayden’s academic accomplishments, Agnihotri said he brings warmth and joy to the Stony Mountain school community.
“His smile, laugh and genuine spirit brighten every day. He demonstrates strength of character, quiet confidence and a willingness to keep trying, even when tasks are challenging,” she said.
“It has been an absolute privilege to teach and support Hayden and witness his growth. I am confident that he will continue to achieve great things. Recognizing him with the Yes I Can! Award not only honours his accomplishments but also celebrates the resilience and determination that define who he is.”
Other Interlake-based award recipients include Grade 8 student William Gall of Alf Cuthbert School, who won an award for the School and Community Activities category. Education assistant Jennifer Darknell of Alf Cuthbert School was also nominated for the EA of the Year award.
Julie Magnusson, a Grade 12 student at Gimli High School, received an academic scholarship to pursue a career directly related to working with people with exceptionalities. Her goal is to become a speech-language pathologist.
