A Woodlands School student is receiving a Yes I Can! Award at the end of this month.
Darryn Hallow, an eighth grader in Woodlands School, is receiving a Yes I Can! Award for exceptionality in the arts.
The Yes I Can! Awards are given by the Manitoba Council for Exceptional Children. They acknowledge the achievements of students with disabilities across Manitoba in academics, arts, athletics, technology, self-advocacy, school and community activities, and transition. The awards recognize youth who have overcome barriers and encourage them to seek their highest potential while increasing awareness of the abilities, aspirations, and qualities of people with disabilities.
Student support teacher at Woodlands School, Alison Marttila, nominated Darryn for the award because of his perfect pitch. Darryn’s mom, Mandy Hallow, is a music teacher at the school. She said since he was two years old, Darryn’s been able to play every note on the piano by ear. He can hear sounds and tell you what note they are, and after hearing a song just twice, he could probably play it for you. When he was a younger student of hers, Mandy said Darryn would often correct his peers in music class, and he was her only Kindergarten student to subdivide beats and stay entirely on time.
“It was amazing to find out he could do all this,” said Mandy. “It’s awesome to see him excel at something and it came so incredibly natural to him.”
Tim Lee, Woodlands School principal, has known Darryn for five years and has taught him for two.
He describes him as the perfect candidate for the Yes I Can! Award. Lee said Darryn is an important part of the school, taking part in all activities and interacting with every-one in a positive manner.
Over the years, Lee’s seen Darryn gain confidence and independence — so much so that he performed in the last spring showcase and stole the show.
“He’s met a lot of challenges and has had lots of progress,” said Lee. “He’s just a really neat kid that’s a big part of our school. We’re going to miss him when he goes off to high school in the fall.”
Youth receive a Yes I Can! Award through a nomination due Oct. 24, 2023. Darryn and numerous other winners this year will receive his award at a gala on Feb. 29 in Winnipeg. Mandy said she’s been told upwards of 500 people could attend the event, most of them in gallery seating, while Darryn and his family will be seated at a table.
“He’s definitely grown and shown his strengths over the number of years I’ve known him,” said Lee. “He’s a really good example of someone that has obstacles to overcome; it shows that with support and a positive attitude, you can progress and achieve great things.”
