CCU LIFE student receives national award

Selena Chavez, a student in the LIFE program at Coastal Carolina University, recently received a 2018 Yes I Can Award from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). She is one of only 12 students to receive this national honor, which she accepted Feb. 9 at the CEC 2018 Convention & Expo in Tampa Fla.

The LIFE program is a four-year college experience program for young adults who have mild to moderate intellectual and/or developmental disabilities as defined by the American Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The program began at CCU in 2009 and enrolls 10 to 12 students each academic year.

Chavez, from Columbus, N.C., is a truly exceptional individual, according to Cheryl Morgan, assistant professor of education and director of the LIFE program.

"Selena was told in high school that she would never attend college," says Morgan, "but she was determined. She started digging and kept digging. She found out about our LIFE program at Coastal. She did her own fundraising. And now she's the first LIFE freshman to earn a paid student-worker position. She's one of the strongest self-advocates I have ever met, in or out of the LIFE program."

In high school, Chavez was No. 4 on her track team and volunteered with the Humane Society, the Culture Club, the Climb Club and at her church. Her goal is to become a wildlife rehabilitator.

The CEC's Yes I Can program annually recognizes the accomplishments of 12 students with exceptionalities in six categories: academics, arts, school and community activities, self-advocacy, technology, and transition. Selena won in the transition category.

CEC is a 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.