West Valley student wins 'Yes I Can Award'

West Valley School seventh-grader Joey Karboski was surprised when a letter arrived in the mail, congratulating him on winning the “Yes I Can Award.”

The award, given by the Montana Council for Exceptional Children, recognizes students with disabilities for being outstanding in one or more areas, such as academics, athletics, extracurriculars and community service.

“I was like, ‘wow, I never knew I was that good,’” Karboski said during an interview at the school Friday.

He received the award for region five, which encompasses Flathead, Lincoln, Sanders, Lake, Missoula and Ravalli counties.

It was Karboski’s participation in extracurriculars, sociability and academic growth that led West Valley special education teacher Teri Dierenfield to nominate him for the award. She has worked with him since he was in fifth grade.

“He is so eager to help his peers and he’s just grown so much in his willingness to go the extra mile,” Dierenfield said.

“I like to help people out,” Karboski said.

Dierenfield said he has really learned to persevere through challenging school work.

“I think you’ve really grown in confidence,” Dierenfield said turning to look at Karboski.

Karboski gave advice how to work through a tough problem.

“Get help from different teachers or just ask some of your friends to have help,” Karboski said.

Karboski is involved in Special Olympics, enjoys snowboarding and cross country and 4-H. For 4-H, he’s raised hogs and for a short time stepped in as his club’s vice president when the position was vacated.

West Valley fifth- through eighth-grade principal Tina Blair wrote in an email to The Daily Inter Lake, “Joey is a child with special needs who has a story, a work ethic and a heart that we could all learn from.”

Reporter Hilary Matheson can be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.