Hanes Student Receives National Award at National Conference in Texas

Lauren and Asha Gandhi

On Friday, April 5, Asha Gandhi received a Yes I Can! Award in the Academics category from the Council for Exceptional Children at its national conference in San Antonio, Texas.

The awards honor people who achieve much despite disabilities. Asha, who is in the school system’s program for highly academically gifted students at Hanes Magnet School, has limited vision and hearing.

"This is a very prestigious award,” Asha said. “I am honored to be a recipient."

Altogether, the national council recognized 21 award winners in seven categories - academics, arts, athletics, school and community activities, self-advocacy, technology and transition.

"The 21 honorees chosen from hundreds of national and international nominees were truly outstanding,” said Asha’s mother, Lauren Gandhi. “It was a very humbling experience to see what determined kids could accomplish with their ‘Yes I Can’ attitudes."

"While there, Asha also served on a panel of four award winners and their parents sharing their experiences in a question-and-answer format.  She enjoyed sharing her story with the educators attending the meeting."

Her father, Sanjay Gandhi said, "One of the things that really made this experience special for Asha and us was the opportunity to meet the other ‘Yes I Can’ winners and their families. These are truly remarkable kids and young adults with inspirational and uplifting stories of resolve, resilience, talent, and kindness.  We are so proud that Asha was recognized alongside such an accomplished group of individuals.

“We are also very grateful to the many wonderful educators who have taught and supported Asha.  This award is indeed a reflection of their dedication and hard work.”

Asha’s exemplary approach to dealing with the challenges she faces prompted the N.C. Council for Exceptional Children to give her its Yes I Can! Award when she was a fifth-grader in the highly academically gifted program at Brunson Elementary School.

This fall, the state council invited her to speak at its annual conference in Greensboro.

The national council describes itself as “an international community of educators who are the voice and vision of special and gifted education. CEC’s mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with exceptionalities and their families through professional excellence and advocacy.”

 

Asha when she was a student at Brunson Elementary