On May 14, 2010, seventy five (75) Miami Valley students from 29 school districts will be honored as local recipients of the “Yes, I Can!” award. Alex Short is being recognized for his accomplishments in the area of Athletics. Alex attends Tippecanoe High School located in Tipp City Exempted Village Schools and is the son of Greg Short and Linda Short.
Alex was nominated for this award by Tippecanoe High School teacher, Mrs. Maggie Atkinson. “I have had the pleasure of working with Alex Short since his freshmen year,” Atkinson said. “Over the years I have seen Alex have a dramatic impact on our school and students. He has become an integral part of our building and has shown others that they can find common ground with someone with a disability. He has not allowed his disability to interfere with personal achievements.”
According to Boys’ Varsity Basketball Coach, Matt Pond, “Coach Alex” supported the team at every home game during his senior year. “He led by example,” Pond said. “His effort and positive attitude really impacted my team and my staff and was one of the key ingredients to our success.“
The recipients have been nominated for outstanding achievement in one of the following categories: Academics, Athletics, Arts, Community Service, Employment, Independent Living Skills, Extracurricular Activities, Technology, or Self-Advocacy.
The annual award celebration will be held at the Hope Hotel and Conference Center. Dan Edwards, TV2 News Anchorman, will be the Master of Ceremonies. The luncheon will start at 11:00 a.m. with the awards ceremony scheduled to begin at approximately 11:45 a.m. The event is sponsored locally by the Miami Valley Regional Center.
Achievements of children and youth with disabilities are the focus of the National “Yes I Can!” program. Established in 1981, it acknowledges persons who have overcome barriers caused by disabilities or public misconceptions, encourages children and youth with disabilities to seek their highest potential; and increases public awareness of the abilities, aspirations, and personal qualities of people with disabilities.
