Award Winner

1 - Copy

Vivienne Caudron

Fifth Grade, Brucie Ball Educational Center

Vivi, as she prefers to be called, has always been a joyous child with a determined personality. When she was a toddler, Vivi was diagnosed with a very rare degenerative genetic medical condition that causes her muscles to atrophy and her to experience seizures that often interfere with her sleep. Despite her diagnosis, she continues to be a determined student that has sustained perfect school attendance regardless of sleepless nights and the loss of control of her muscles. Vivi has learned to express her thoughts and feelings through facial expressions and vocalizations which are the only effective means of communication. She makes sustained eye contact to express her surprise, happiness, and satisfaction when she learns something new. She always puts forth tremendous effort in her academics and is a respectful and responsible student. Vivi does not let her condition hold her back and instead chooses to remain full of life and joy every day.