Local Student To Receive International AwardARLINGTON, Va. – Mason Metzger, of Silver Lake, will receive a 2019 Yes I Can Award from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
Simple daily activities, routine for most of us, are challenges for Metzger, according to a news release. But, he had a dream, and today he has achieved his dream of becoming a motivational speaker and an inspiration to everyone who meets him.
Metzger was diagnosed at birth with spastic cerebral palsy and has received special education services throughout his schooling. He has pushed the limits in terms of physical activity by successfully participating in cycling, skiing, snowboarding and water skiing. The release states, “What is most impressive is how he has taken a childhood dream of being a motivational speaker and made it a reality.”
Metzger was the keynote speaker at the Warsaw Community Schools all-staff convocation in August 2014, where he spoke to more than 500 professionals about pursuing his dream and enriching the lives of others. The response from the audience was overwhelming and that speech launched his career at the age of 15.
Since then, Metzger has spoken to over 30 audiences including area elementary, middle and high schools. In 2015, he was invited to be the keynote speaker for the Grace College Disability Awareness Week.
His speeches have been centered on a variety of topics, many which stem from his personal challenges and experiences in life. These topics include making an impact, being empowered, overcoming challenges, being a leader, perseverance, helping others overcome challenges, working as a team, having a mission in life, and being a teenager with a strong work ethic. Since 2017, Metzger has attended Indiana Wesleyan University and is a sophomore.
The release states CEC is proud to honor Metzger with this award in the self-advocacy category. He will receive his award at the Yes I Can Award Ceremony on Feb. 1 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, as part of the CEC 2019 Convention & Expo.
The Yes I Can program recognizes the accomplishments of 12 students with exceptionalities in six categories: academics, arts, school and community activities, self-advocacy, technology and transition.
The CEC is the professional association of educators dedicated to advancing the educational success of children and youth with exceptionalities that accomplishes its mission through advocacy, standards and professional development. Learn more about CEC at www.cec.sped.org.
