'CODA' wins big at Academy Awards, leaves strong impression on Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf

One movie captured the heart of 18-year-old Destiny Mendel more than the others."CODA" was announced as the winner of three categories at the 94th Academy Awards, and Mendel says she was especially proud."I really loved it. I enjoyed it," she said.Watch the report from the school in Edgewood: Click the video player above.CODA is the acronym for "child of deaf adult," and the movie focused on the life of a teenage girl who was the only member of her family who isn't deaf.Mendel, a senior at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, says the movie sent a powerful message to the world while representing the deaf community and herself."I don't see myself as disabled. I know I can do anything," Mendel said. "If people try to suppress deaf people, and say no, you can't do that, I tell them, 'No, I can.'"Watching "CODA" win Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor brought Mendel a tremendous sense of delight."Typically, deaf actors are overlooked," she said. "They were really recognized, and to see the awards and all the people there really watch and enjoy the movie, it was amazing."