Congratulations to Students & Staff Recognized at the 2026 Yes I Can! Awards

On February 26, 2026, twenty-three students and staff from RETSD were recognized at the Manitoba Council for Exceptional Children’s annual Yes I Can! Awards evening. 

The awards celebrate student achievements in academics, arts, athletics, self-advocacy, school & community service, and transitioning out of school. In addition, staff are recognized for their exceptional support in helping students with disabilities achieve their goals and reach their highest potential. 

We are proud of the accomplishments of each award recipient and nominee and celebrate alongside them. The recognition is well-earned. Congratulations, everyone! 

STUDENTS 

Academics: 

• Tayla Baxter, John W. Gunn 

• Brady Swan, Sun Valley 

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Arts: 

• Xander MacLeod, River East  

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Athletics: 

• Tiffany Dufort, Murdoch MacKay 

• Precious Tamana, Polson 

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School & Community Service: 

• Lukas Anderson, River East 

• Emma Topham, Donwood 

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Self-advocacy: 

• Jaxson Carnegie, John W. Gunn 

• Kaylee Duncum, John W. Gunn 

• Tyler Vaughan, River East 

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Transitioning: 

• Cathy Phommavongxay, Miles Macdonell 

STAFF 

Certificates of Recognition: 

• Cristina Babashko, John W. Gunn 

• Mikayla Davies, River East 

• Kaitlyn Martin, River East 

• Shane Hawley, River East 

• Mary Grace Salgado, River East 

• Michelle Schriemer, River East 

Nominations for Educational Assistant of the Year: 

• Sarah Hay, Murdoch MacKay 

• Sherri Melnyk, Murdoch MacKay 

• Julie Nault, Polson 

• Azelle Santos, Valley Gardens 

• Jodi Van Gerwen, Miles Macdonell 

Outstanding Educator of the Year: 

• Sean Lindsay, Divisional Inclusion Teacher