A group of exceptional Manitobans earned recognition at an awards ceremony last week.
Scholarship recipient Julie Magnusson with presenter Amanda Asham, president of the Manitoba Association of Resource Teachers
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.
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 recognition for 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 Alf Cuthbert School in Moosehorn, Grade 8 student William Gall earned the Yes I Can! Award for School and Community Activities. Principal Alann Fraser nominated William, noting that he serves as an inspiration to everyone at the school.
“He has attended school here since preschool and has been a bright spot for each of us for all these years. William lives with autism spectrum disorder. He deals with a variety of challenges ranging from communication to movement,” Fraser said.
“William comes to school happy; his infectious laugh is heard throughout the school and brings a smile to students and staff alike. William certainly shows all of us his determination and perseverance in daily life activities.”
William participates in as many aspects of Alf Cuthbert School life as possible, Fraser added. Some of his responsibilities include making popcorn weekly for the school, counting money, shopping, washing dishes from the breakfast program, as well as washing, folding and putting away towels.
“He has taught staff and students how to slow down and approach things differently,” Fraser said. “William also serves as an example that with great determination, you can accomplish anything with or without support.”
In addition, Fraser also nominated education assistant Jennifer Darknell for the EA of the Year Award, which was won by Dayna Trann of West Kildonan Collegiate.
“Jennifer is a remarkable EA and individual. Her passion is helping students to learn and become the best people possible. She connects with all students but especially those who have difficulties due to disabilities or life circumstances. Jennifer is always prompt and timely with her attendance as she understands the need for consistency for all our students,” Fraser said.
“Over the years, Jennifer has shown her ability to be flexible, consistent, supportive and welcoming to staff and students. She is the first to jump in to help, even above and beyond the duties of an EA. She will take duties and cover high need students when we are short staffed.”
As an example, Fraser said Darknell has stepped in during Roots of Empathy classes to teach students American sign language, which she learned through previous roles in other school divisions.
“She is observant and will join in on problem-solving opportunities as issues arise. Jennifer is an active support in classroom, outside, gym and individual settings. In her spare time, Jennifer researches ways to support students as well as learn new strategies and skills that benefit a multitude of students. She is an active member in PD and staff meeting opportunities. She is the first to jump into volunteering, will arrive early and leave late if she is needed,” Fraser said.
“The staff and students are extremely lucky to have someone such as Jennifer working at Alf Cuthbert School. Her work, dedication and compassion are unmatched.”
Fraser believes it’s important to recognize both staff and students at Alf Cuthbert School.
“Sharing true recognition is often difficult for people to give and to receive. We can say that we appreciate each other, but making a formal nomination to an award speaks more than just a verbal recognition. Both William and Jenn have worked hard, bring a special element to our school community and they should be recognized for that. There are not a lot of public recognition forums for people, especially in the rural areas,” Fraser said.
“Jenn has worked with William for most of his years at Alf Cuthbert School. They are a part of each other’s lives and have played a huge piece in the success that they each show. I am extremely proud to know both Jenn and William and to have them as part of the Alf Cuthbert School community. Congratulations to both Jenn and William.”
In addition, 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.
Magnusson stands out for her leadership roles, extracurricular sports and volunteer initiatives. These experiences provide her with the discipline, commitment and collaboration that are essential for working effectively with children. Her goal is to become a speech-language pathologist.
Other Interlake-based award recipients include Carson Lowe of Teulon Collegiate Institute and Theodore Hill of Grosse Isle School, who both won Yes I Can! Awards for arts. Hayden Flett of Stony Mountain School was recognized with an academics award, and Brandi Roberts of Teulon Collegiate Institute was nominated for the EA of the Year award.
