Students & Staff Shine at Yes I Can! Awards

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to RETSD students and staff recognized at the Manitoba Council for Exceptional Children's annual awards ceremony on February 27, 2025.

The event drew students from across the city and province, celebrating achievements in academics, athletics, community service, employment, independent living skills, and self-advocacy. Our dedicated school division staff were also honoured for their exceptional support in helping students achieve their personal goals.

This year, several RETSD students stood out with Yes I Can! Awards: Scarlett Doerkeson of Maple Leaf School for self-advocacy, Grant Hrerirchuk of John Prichard School for school and community activities, Leonidas Stimpson of River East Collegiate for similar contributions, Sidney Little of Murdoch MacKay Collegiate for academics, and Phoenix Narcisco of Collège Miles Macdonell Collegiate for the arts.

Additionally, Certificates of Recognition were bestowed upon William Gordon, a business owner partnered with Project LIFE, along with educational assistants Olena Pozhar and Rhonda Haklar of River East, Heather Toews and Sandra Maw of Murdoch MacKay, teacher Bjorn Johnson of Murdoch MacKay, and Neal Smith-Windsor of River East. Darlyne Brajkovich of Miles Macdonell was nominated for Teacher of the Year.

Finally, Brenda Hill-Yashyshyn, manager of student services, received the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Leadership Award, recognizing her significant contribution to the well-being of children and youth with exceptionalities.

We take immense pride in the accomplishments of these award recipients and hope they relish this well-earned recognition.