A Caldwell County High School student’s photography is drawing national recognition.
Nineteen-year-old Stephany Oaks, daughter of the Rev. David and Doris Oaks of Hospital Drive, will receive a Yes I Can! Award from the Council for Exceptional Children in April.
Oaks has hearing impairments and mental retardation but has developed an eye for photography and has produced numerous award-winning works.
In December 2006, her work was featured in the Traveling Student Art Exhibition, hosted by Very Special Arts of Kentucky.
Three of the 29 pieces of art selected for the exhibition were completed by Oaks.
One of her pieces, “Windows of the Temple,” was named grand champion in a county competition and went on to receive a blue ribbon at the Kentucky State Fair.
That piece was also used by professional artist Charles Brindley to design a greeting card and bookmark, according to a release from the Council for Exceptional Children.
The work has given Oaks the drive to continue to pursue photography as a career and helped her start a small business selling gift cards and bookmarks.
“I like people to look at my photos and see the looks on their faces,” she said. “My dream for the future is to be a professional photographer.”
Her mother, Doris, said photography “has been an incredible venue in which Stephany is able to create, communicate and interact without the limitations of words and verbal communications.”
Each year, the CEC honors 28 students who have excelled despite disabilities. Awards are presented in nine categories: academics, arts, athletics, community service, employment, extracurricular activities, independent living skills, self-advocacy and technology.
“The Yes I Can! Awards were developed to honor students who achieve despite their disabilities,” said Lynda Van Kuren, the Council for Exceptional Children’s Senior Director of Communications.
“With Stephany’s outstanding accomplishments, perseverance and hard work, she exemplifies the spirit of the Yes I Can! Awards.”
Oaks will travel to Boston, Mass., in April to receive the award, accompanied by her parents, her sister, and educator Nancy Clement and her husband.
