Livingston Parish High School Student Receives National “Yes I Can” Award
Local 10th Grader is One of Only 12 Winners
LIVINGSTON, La. – Jared Peters, a former student at Livingston Virtual Grades 6-12 who is home-based at Live Oak High School, is one of 12 students across the country to receive the 2026 National “Yes I Can” Award for Self-Advocacy from the Council for Exceptional Children.
The award was presented on March 13 at the National Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. The CEC paid the travel costs for Peters and his family to visit Salt Lake City to receive the national award.
The “Yes I Can” Awards celebrate and honor the achievements of children and youth with exceptionalities while increasing public awareness of the abilities and aspirations of students with disabilities.
Peters is in 10th grade and is currently attending classes in person at Live Oak High School.
“Jared has not only overcome personal challenges, but he has also become a voice for himself and others. From an early age, he has been passionate about learning, including reading by age two and demonstrating remarkable memory and analytical skills. Along his academic journey, he navigated challenges related to diagnosed differences that affected sensory and social communication expectations,” said Lorna Ott, director of Livingston Virtual.
“Through determination and growth, Jared developed strong self-regulation, emotional awareness, and coping skills that laid the foundation for his success,” Ott said.
“Today, Jared is thriving academically, socially, and emotionally. He is fully engaged in the classroom, builds meaningful friendships, and interacts with educators and peers with responsibility and
respect. Known for his strong interpersonal communication, Jared confidently advocates for his needs when appropriate, allowing him to remain focused on learning while contributing positively to his school community,” she said.
Ott noted that many dedicated educators, administrators, paras, and professionals have enjoyed the opportunity to work with Peters, including professionals from North Live Oak Elementary, Live Oak Middle, Livingston Virtual, and Live Oak High School. She said professionals with The Emerge Center of Baton Rouge and Launch Therapy Center of Denham Springs also work with Peters.