COURTESY PHOTO
Easter Seals award winner Jacob Fuentes is congratulated by Malden Mayor Gary Christenson and Easter Seals Massachusetts Chief Executive Officer Paul Medeiros.
By STEVE FREKER
MALDEN — He may be in a wheelchair, but Ferryway School third-grader Jacob Fuentes stands tall when it comes to pursuing his own brand of independence and mobility.
That spirit and desire has resulted in a statewide award for the Malden youngster from Easter Seals Massachusetts. Fuentes was recently honored at his school as the recipient of the Easter Seals 2017 Richard A. LaPierre Pioneer Award.
Easter Seals recognizes a young person annually who best demonstrates a pioneering spirit by breaking down barriers. The award is named for former Easter Seals Massachusetts President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard A. LaPierre, a strong advocate for disability rights.
Ferryway Principal Michael Ciampa nominated Fuentes for the award, crediting his student’s , enthusiasm and commitment to immersing himself in as many activities as possible at the school.
“He’s a hard worker and he just won’t quit,” said Paula Gillette, a Ferryway School paraprofessional who works with Fuentes daily. “He’s already taken on a lot of challenges and he is ready for more.”
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Malden Mayor Gary Christenson attended the ceremony at the Ferryway School where current Easter Seals Massachusetts President and CEO Paul Medeiros presented Fuentes with the Pioneer Award with his family, fellow students and Ferryway staff and administration members on hand to congratulate him.
Fuentes has a form of Spina bifida, a congenital condition he has worked to overcome with a lot of practice and adjustments to his wheelchair. Ferryway educators said he has become more independent and can move through the school and participate alongside fellow students during gym class and recess periods.
He continues to work at physical therapy sessions to maintain his ability to stay active.
