Gonzales Middle's Dylan Estrada chosen ‘Yes I?Can! Award’ winner

Dylan Estrada, an eighth grader at Gonzales Middle School in Mrs. Provencher’s homeroom, has been selected as a state “Yes I Can! Award” winner.

The award honors students with disabilities who excel.

These awards celebrate the achievements of children and youth with disabilities; encourage these individuals to seek their highest potential; and increase public awareness of the abilities, aspirations, and personal qualities of those with disabilities.

Estrada was honored at the LA Council for Exceptional Children award ceremony Jan. 27 in Lafayette.

Estrada was selected as one of five winners chosen from nominations all over state of Louisiana.  He won in the area of academics and will be presented with a plaque honoring his achievements.

His hearing impaired resource teacher, Cheryl Russell, and the retired low incidence coordinator for Ascension Parish, Barbara LeBlanc, nominated him due to his academic performance and the fact that he doesn’t let his hearing loss prevent him from achieving his highest potential.

Estrada is deaf and uses a Cued Speech transliterator to help him acquire information in the classroom.

“His self-motivation and perseverance, and his ‘can do’ way of thinking are just some of the reasons that he is an honor roll student on the principal’s list and a person who exemplifies the “Yes I Can” attitude,” said a school spokesperson. “GMS is very proud of Dylan, would like to congratulate him on being selected to receive a “Yes I Can” award in recognition of his hard work.”