Meet the 2026 Yes I Can Winners
CEC is proud to recognize children and youth with exceptionalities , who have demonstrated their determination and achievements in multiple ways. Meet this year’s awardees, which will be honored at the 2026 Convention and Expo in Salt Lake City.
Academics
The Yes I Can Academic Award recognizes students and youth with exceptionalities who have demonstrated achievement far beyond expectations in areas such as math, science, reading, social studies, language arts, foreign languages, or overall academic performance, including exceptional results on standardized tests.
Dale Jeremiah “DJ” Robinson
DJ of Aurora, Colorado, is a twice-exceptional student on the autism spectrum who has thrived academically and as a leader through strong advocacy and support. At East Aurora High School, he delivers the morning announcements and is active in the National Honor Society, the National Society of High School Scholars, mentorship programs including African American Men of Unity and Guide Right, and the NAACP, where he served as a Delegate at the 2025 Illinois State Conference.
Trae Schwend
Trae of Boise, Idaho, is Deaf and on the autism spectrum and uses cochlear implants. In just two years, he has made remarkable academic progress, growing from basic alphabetic knowledge to a confident reader of complex texts and excelling in mathematics, where he is known for his speed, accuracy, and willingness to support classmates. With a strong curiosity in geology and botany, Trae also serves as “Head Farmer” for his school’s community farm, demonstrating leadership and initiative that benefit his entire school community.
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Arts
The Yes I Can Arts Award honors students and youth with exceptionalities who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in the arts, including music, theater, dance, visual arts, graphic arts, sculpture, and written expression.
Amelia Crespo Delgado
Amelia of Aubrey, Texas, is a neurodivergent student with hearing loss who uses bilateral cochlear implants and has developed a strong artistic voice through the support of her family and educators. After building foundational language and speech skills at the Melinda Webb School and attending Sunshine Cottage School for the Deaf, she became an advocate for early intervention as the face of the school’s Gift of Sound campaign. By age 11, Amelia had illustrated and authored two published books celebrating diverse abilities, and she continues to give back by sharing her work with students and communities to promote understanding, inclusion, and advocacy for individuals with hearing loss.
Brett Wyatt
Brett of Hermitage, Tennessee, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2021 following a brain bleed, resulting in vision loss, short-term memory loss, and mobility challenges. During his recovery, music and visual arts became central to his healing and to inspiring and encouraging others with visual impairments. Brett’s journey, shared through social media, has reached millions, and his work has helped promote music therapy internationally. Through continued creative projects in music and visual art, Brett demonstrates the powerful role of the arts in healing, connection, and advocacy.
Technology
The Yes I Can Technology Award acknowledges students and youth with exceptionalities who have demonstrated exceptional achievement through the effective use of technology, including assistive technology, to advance their academic and non-academic skills.
Justice Slayton
Justice of La Grange, Kentucky, lived with Alpers-Huttenlocher Syndrome (AHS), a rare and progressive mitochondrial disorder that caused significant developmental challenges. After receiving homebound special education services during the pandemic, she began to flourish when in-person instruction resumed in 2022, using cortical visual impairment strategies and an iPad to engage, learn, and express herself. Through technology, Justice connected with others, enjoyed music, books, and movies, and spent time with friends, demonstrating remarkable growth in attention and engagement. Her joy, resilience, and accomplishments—including winning the 2024 Tenn Miss Oldham County Fair Stars Pageant—continue to be remembered and celebrated.
Matthew Romero
Born with arthrogryposis, Matthew of Bellport, New York, uses manual and power wheelchairs. He has limited use of his arms and hands, but his passion for technology has allowed him to thrive, express his creativity, and increase his independence. Through assistive technology, he can feed himself, type, write, and create art. An active fifth grader in his school community, Matthew participates in wheelchair basketball, air hockey, and surfing, approaching every challenge with determination, compassion, and a belief in possibility.
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Transition to Adult Life
The Yes I Can Transition to Adult Life Award celebrates post-secondary students and youth with exceptionalities who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and abilities that have led to successful outcomes in work, vocational training, or independent living.
Ryan Kovach
Ryan of Succasunna, New Jersey, was born with a rare chromosome gene deletion that impacts his cognitive functioning, but he perseveres in pursuing his goals and serving his community. Inspired by his love of birch beer, Ryan and his father founded Dad and Ryan’s Birch Beer. This homebrew soda business sells thousands of bottles each year and supports local charities, including organizations serving individuals with rare chromosome disorders. Through his company and extensive volunteer work, including the Rotary Club, Toys for Tots, and two local firehouses, Ryan has built independence, strong community connections, and a lasting impact rooted in generosity and service.
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Bennett Lehman
Bennett was born with Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, and is blind and has hearing loss, yet his determination and tenacity have driven his success. He excels academically, earning high honors and ranking in the top 10% of his class, while actively participating in the National Honor Society, theater, wrestling, and Student Council. Passionate about digital accessibility, Bennett has served as an app tester since middle school and contributes to accessibility efforts with organizations such as Vanderbilt University and the Milwaukee Public Museum. This fall, he will begin studying cybersecurity at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, continuing his commitment to inclusive technology.
School and Community
The Yes I Can School and Community Award honors students and youth with exceptionalities who have demonstrated outstanding achievement or leadership in organized activities at the school or community level. This includes involvement in school-based activities or community-based activities.
Kyle Abplanalp
Kyle of Park Ridge, Illinois, is on the autism spectrum and has celiac disease, and with access to essential supports, he has thrived academically and socially. He is highly involved in his school and community, serving as a longtime Boy Scout and an active volunteer with organizations such as Feed My Starving Children and Summit Retirement. Kyle stays busy through athletics, music, and the arts, participating in swim and cross-country teams, playing violin in his school orchestra, performing in the school theater, and taking part in Aceing Autism. A committed student and community member, Kyle continues to grow by embracing new challenges and opportunities.
Aleah Stigall
Aleah of Danville, Kentucky, has a Specific Learning Disability in reading fluency. Through support, determination, and advocacy, she has excelled academically. She actively embraces her learning differences, seeking support and collaborating with teachers to thrive in challenging courses. Beyond academics, Aleah is deeply engaged in her community, visiting elementary schools to promote connection and reading, volunteering with Toys for Tots, modeling for Down with Derby, and supporting Camp Kids Can Do. Her leadership and service have earned her a key to the City of Danville, recognition as a Quality of Life Finalist in Miss Kentucky’s Teen program, selection as a Washington University Rural Scholar, and honors from Youth Salute and the Governor’s Scholars program.
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Self-Advocacy
The Yes I Can Self-Advocacy Award recognizes students and youth with exceptionalities who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in taking practical responsibility for themselves. This includes effectively using their knowledge of legal rights, advancing personal goals, and advocating for their own needs.
Jared Peters
Jared is on the autism spectrum and lives with sensory processing disorder, and he has grown into a dedicated advocate for himself and others. A passionate learner from an early age, he overcame environmental and social challenges by developing self-regulation strategies and maintaining focus and emotional balance. Through active participation in his IEP meetings and open communication with teachers, Jared has helped create a more inclusive classroom, improving both his own experience and fostering acceptance among his peers and school staff.
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Lilyan Farris
Lilyan is on the autism spectrum and lives with epilepsy, dysautonomia, ADHD, PANDAS, and Ehlers-Danlos, yet she has been dedicated to serving her community since age 3. She founded The Lily Project to “spread seeds of kindness,” sending more than 75,000 cards to first responders, soldiers, and veterans, and has led toy and book drives, created community libraries, and repurposed over 100,000 items to reduce waste. Passionate about educational equity, Lilyan co-founded Students for Educational Equity in the US (SEE US), advocating for students and securing funding to promote inclusive physical activity and sports. Her ongoing leadership demonstrates compassion, creativity, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
Congratulations to all of our Yes I Can Award Winners! Please join us at CEC 2026 in Salt Lake City to celebrate these extraordinary youths at the Yes I Can Awards Ceremony.
Thank you to Einstein Advocates for sponsoring the Yes I Can Awards.
