Lucas: Yes I Can!

Lucas accepting his award.

Participant Spotlight

Lucas Jackett is a Junior who attends Millington High School. Lucas was recently nominated for the Self Advocating Award through the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children. On March 5, Lucas, his family, and friends traveled to Grand Rapids for Lucas to celebrate his “Yes I can! Award”. Lucas gave a speech in front of 300 people at the event!

Lucas’ and his mom Becky have participated in some of our programs, even with it being quite a long drive for them! Becky shared with us about this experience and we knew it would encourage all our participants and their families:

“My son has been part of our local school system since preschool. Hard to believe he will be graduating next year….YIKES! He was recently nominated by Karen Dekoski and Mary Gavitt for the self advocating award through Michigan Council for Exceptional Children. He is only one of six students chosen from the whole state of Michigan. March 5, some of our family and friends will travel to Grand Rapids for Lucas’s Celebration of his “Yes I Can! Award”! He is most excited about dressing up for his speech, he picked a navy suit. He will talk about s few if his personal experiences that has allowed him to “shine”!

Lucas with his family & friends.

(For example being part of 3 years of high school wrestling) Looking back to his newborn days…I was so worried about his future (being told that if I taught him sign, he would never learn to talk) to NOW! He’s giving a speech in front of 300 people about self advocating! Makes me think…why yes WE can! We are nearing the end if Lucas’s public education …. Was it always easy? Was it always smooth? Was it perfect? NO! But with dedicated staff at Millington Community Schools believed in my spunky, social, smart son. Lucas can now add ‘self advocate” to his many amazing qualities! Attached is a picture of him giving his speech to our local school board!”

We are so proud of Lucas and his accomplishments! Way to show the world your “Best of All!”