Somerton student honored
His positive attitude is recognized at state conference
A student from the Somerton School District was honored recently by the Arizona Council for Exceptional Children at an awards luncheon in Phoenix.
Emanuel Flores, a fourth grader at Valle del Encanto Elementary School, received the “I Can Do It Award” at the council’s statewide conference.
The award is given to students who have demonstrated an “I Can Do It” at- titude. Students are recognized for excelling, despite their disability, in academics, art, athletics, community service, employment, self-advocacy, technology or independent life skills. The award recognition acknowledges a student’s determination to succeed, and many times the support of their family as well. Flores was nominated by Somerton Special Education Director Jody Ricker.
Flores, who has received services since preschool, has excelled “with persistence and perseverance” in his academics this past year, Ricker wrote in a nomination letter. Flores has shown progress in the areas of English language arts, math and vocabulary.
At the beginning of the school year, Flores declared, “This year I am going to learn a lot, and I will be serious about my learning,” and it has shown, Ricker wrote.
“Emanuel’s classroom discussions are engaging, thought provoking, and with high vocabulary words, along with analytical questions and understanding of the topic,” Ricker’s letter reads. Flores also enjoys using technology to explore weather storms, the planets and other astronomical facts.
Flores, along with his parents and special education teacher, attended the luncheon event to accept the award, and he was given a trophy.