TFHS student honored for determination

For her upbeat, positive attitude and her drive to be a part of her school and her community, Thompson Falls High School (TFHS) junior Tiana Goatley was presented the Yes I Can Award for 2022. Every year, the Council for Exceptional Children recognizes youth with exceptionalities who have demonstrated their determination and achievements in multiple ways.

TFHS Special Education teacher Darcy Farlan nominated Goatley for the award by submitting a short video highlighting the reasons why Goatley would make an exceptional candidate for the accolade. In the video, Farlan credits Goatley for being the first one to say "good morning" to staff and students every day. "Her desire to socialize and become friends with just about everyone has earned her the title of Miss Congeniality from her peers," Farlan said in the video.

Goatley's desire to be involved in her school has also earned her the title of junior co-class president. Her involvement in student council meetings has allowed her to find her voice while at the same time, she has also gained the knowledge of how to accept the opinions of others.

Goatley's first reaction to learning she had won the award was nothing short of happiness. "I was really surprised to receive the award," she said. "I believe they gave it to me because I'm friendly." Goatley describes herself as a social butterfly and says her favorite class in school is U.S. History. "We get to learn about the past during World War II," she said. "There are still a lot of people alive from back then. I was surprised because I looked it up on the computer."

Goatley likes to spend her weekends playing Fortnite on her PlayStation and creating art. She listens to pop music and says her favorite band is Big Time Rush. While the high school junior plans on pursuing a position on the student council her senior year, she says she will be spending her summer looking for a job, hopefully something in housekeeping, she said.

Farlan says the reason she nominated her student for the award is because she believes Goatley is a positive example of someone who has met her transition goals. "She has worked really hard and realizes her limitations but that's not stopping her from going after what she really wants," Farlan said.