Every year The Foundation for Exceptional Children conducts an international program called Yes I Can!. This is to recognize outstanding achievements of children and youth with disabilities. One of the 35 persons honoured this year was Matthew Iserhoff Jr. People who win this award are chosen from thousands of entries in seven categories- arts, academics, athletics, extra-curricular activities, community service, employment and independent living skills.
Iserhoff had his right leg and part of his hip amputated after an accident at seven years old.
Iserhoff received along with his award a “Youth Victorious” statue made by artist Michael Naranjo. The statue has a plaque with Iserhoff’s name and bears the category he won- Athletics. The award was presented to Matthew in Orlando, Florida by spokesman Neil Smith, an all pro NFL defensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, on April 2,1996.
Sixteen year old Matthew was nominated by Corinne Kollman and Alice Renaud. They are with the school in Chibougamou and have nothing but praise for Matthew. Matthew’s athletics are no surprise to them. Kollman, who is Matthew’s gym teacher said that she feels that his athletics achievement began the day he lost his leg in 1987. In her class he runs his mile warm-up and participates in basketball, floor hockey, broom ball and has a passion for downhill skiing. “I have never considered Matthew to be anything but like the rest of my students.” she wrote when nominating him for the Athletics award.
Renaud and Kollman say that another major accomplishment for Iserhoff this year was climbing Monkey Face mountain. The school didn’t even ask Iserhoff if he felt he wouldn’t be able to climb the mountain. They knew that he could decide what undertakings he could face on his own. Iseroff and the other students cheered when they reached the top. Since then Iserhoff has climbed this mountain again. The mountain climbing route was through difficult terrain.
Renaud wrote “as in all phases of his life, the “mountains” are challenges just waiting to be conquered.
Matthew Iserhoff’s award did not go unnoticed. Below are some letters he received.
From the White House
Warm greetings to everyone gathered in Orlando, Florida, for the annual convention of the Council for Exceptional Children. I am delighted to send my warmest congratulations to this year’s “Yes I Can!” winners on their outstanding achievements.
At a time when many young people are facing difficult challenges, your positive attitude and dedication to excellence remind us all that, through determination and effort, anything is possible. With your continued leadership in your schools and communities, our nation and the world can look forward to an era of great opportunity and hope. I am encouraged by your efforts and confident that our future is in good hands.
As you reflect on your accomplishments, I hope you will take time to thank the families, teachers, and friends who have encouraged you along the way. I know you will continue to set high goals for yourselves, and Hillary joins me in wishing each of you every future happiness and success.
Bill Clinton
From the US Senate
Dear Matthew:
My warmest congratulations on winning the “Yes, I Can” award. In my view, all awards gains their stature from those who receive them, not the reverse. I think it can be truly said the “Yes, I Can” Award has grown even larger because of each of you. Through Your good works, you show how much people with disabilities can contribute.
As you may know, I am a person with a disability myself. I know first hand the barriers and challenges each of you face every day. The good news is that never before have opportunities been greater for persons with disabilities. Work hard and the world is yours.
Once again, I salute you.
Sincerely,
Bob Dole
From the Canadian Parliament
Dear Matthew:
I am delighted to offer you my warmest congratulations on having received the Yes I Can award from the Canadian Council for Exceptional Children.
Your strength of purpose in overcoming the unique challenges which you have had to face in your life makes you most deserving of this tribute. The future is bright indeed if you have already come this far in such a short time. I know that your family and friends are very proud of you and that young people everywhere will be inspired by what you have accomplished. Please accept my best wishes for a most enjoyable celebration.
Yours sincerely,
Jean Chretien
