Congratulations Class of 2025!
In the Spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, Youville Centre would like to acknowledge that the land on which we inspire, educate and nurture, is the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People. On this land, on June 19, 2025, Youville Centre hosted our 37th graduation ceremony, along with M.F. McHugh Education Centre and St. Nicholas Adult High School.
Again this year we welcomed St Nicholas Adult High School Guidance Teacher, Heather Marshall, as our Master of Ceremonies. As a former St. Nicholas Adult HS staff member at Youville Centre until June 2023, Heather continues to have a special connection to Youville and this year’s graduating class.
Dignitary Greetings
Heather introduced our many dignitaries, with inspiring messages of congratulations:
- The Honourable Mona Fortier, Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier; was planning to attend but was called last minute to the House of Commons;
- Lucille Collard, Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier; spoke in person;
- Councilor Stéphanie Plante, Ward 12 – Rideau/Vanier; spoke in person;
- Cindy Simpson, OCSB Trustee, Youville Angel and former Executive Director of Youville Centre; spoke on behalf of our Education Partner, the Ottawa Catholic School Board;
- Dr. Pino Buffone, OCDSB Director of Education; spoke on behalf of the Ottawa Carleton District School Board; and
- Lee Redpath, Board President, spoke on behalf of the Youville Centre volunteer Board of Directors, sharing her last graduation address as the Board President as her term is ending at the next Annual General Meeting in September.
Lee opened saying “Today, we gather to celebrate not just a graduation, but a victory — a triumph of strength, determination, and unshakable willpower.” and after a few encouraging words shared “[…] your graduation today is more than a personal milestone. It is a message. A message to your children that challenges can be met – it may not be easy but with courage and hard work, anything is possible. You can teach them that setbacks are not the end of the story, and that love — especially a mother’s love — is one of the most powerful forces on earth.” Lee concluded her address with “Congratulations, graduates. You didn’t just survive — you soared. And the world better be ready for what comes next. Thank you.”
A message from Executive Director Peter Embleton followed. Peter started with “These 17 graduates here today are joining the 639 young mothers who have graduated with their Ontario Secondary School Diploma from our own Youville Centre.” and “Every now and then look up to the stars and not down at your feet. Be curious. You know that life can be difficult, and you have gotten good at dealing with the hard things. There is always something you can do and succeed at – You proved that today! I want to wish each and everyone of you my heartfelt congratulations. To the Youville Class of 2025 – Long life, good health and much happiness! ”
Each year, a principal from one of our Education Partners shares a few words for our graduating class.
This year, Don Murphy, Principal of St. Nicholas Adult High School shared a few words of congratulations, saying “Today, we gather to celebrate a truly momentous occasion. I am honored to stand before you, our exceptional and resilient graduates, who have defied the odds, faced countless challenges, and persevered to achieve this important milestone. At St. Nic’s and Youville, we understand the unique journey each of you has taken. We dedicate ourselves to helping young mothers and mothers-to-be achieve their full potential. Our commitment to education, childcare, mental health outreach, and social services help support students in this goal. Each of you has shown true strength, balancing the demands of family responsibilities, your education, and your personal lives with unwavering determination and grace. Your dedication to your loved ones and your future is nothing short of inspiring.”
Alumnae Speaker
As part of our ceremony annually, we have an alumna of Youville Centre come back to speak to our graduates about their journey, and to share words of wisdom for the days and years ahead. This year, our speaker was Sarah who graduated from Youville Centre in 2014. Sarah shared a special message to our graduating class. Some excerpts are included below, and her full speech will be in our Annual Report when it is released in September 2025.
Sarah began with “When I came to Youville, I already had a daughter, and I was pregnant with my second. I was a determined person, but I didn’t really know what kind of future I was working towards. All I knew was I wanted better for my children, and my education felt like the key to whatever that was. When I was here at Youville, I felt safe. This school gave me a place to breathe. Outside of this school, I was constantly judged, as I am sure you all have experienced as well. People looked at me like I was irresponsible. Like I was a failure before I even had the chance to try. But at Youville I was seen as someone who could, not someone who wouldn’t.” and finished with “I didn’t have all the pieces in place. But I had grit, and I had my kids. And that’s all you need. You don’t have to have it all figured out, you just have to keep showing up. So, to every single one of you, every fierce, powerful, beautiful mom in this room, I am so proud of you. I’m emotional just looking at you. Your babies are so lucky to have you. And whatever comes next, I promise you: you have what it takes. You always have. Congratulations. You did something extraordinary.”
Graduates Cross the Stage
After this inspiring and moving message from Sarah, the 16 graduates present (out of 17 total this year) walked across the stage, one by one, to receive their diploma.
Their teachers prepared personal anecdotes to share, and bursary awards were announced.
Graduates were photographed with any bursary donors present or with Directors from the Centre’s Board who were onsite for the ceremony.
M.F. McHugh Education Centre Principal's Award
Madison was the proud recipient of the M.F. McHugh Education Centre Principal’s Award.
The Principal’s Award is given to a student who has exemplified academic persistence, and a dedication to their own learning. Each and every day, Madison demonstrated the M.F. McHugh standards of growth mindset, pathway building, and project-based learning.
She has successfully demonstrated how working hard and advocating for herself can lead to accomplishing her goals.
Congratulations, Madison!
Spirit of Youville Award - Laiba
Our 2025 Spirit of Youville student was chosen because she embodies the Youville “voice”. Over her time at Youville, Laiba has demonstrated personal growth, leadership skills and academic perseverance while developing her parenting skills along the way. Laiba started her message saying “I want to take a moment and share my story with you. I was just 17 when I got married and the very next day my life took a big turn. The Taliban took over our country and we had to leave.” After outlining her journey to Canada, and how she found Youville Centre after the birth of her son, she shared this encouragement with her peers:
“Each and every one of us have different stories, but the struggle and challenges that we go through as young mothers is the same. When we first came to Youville many of us were unsure what our goals were and what we wanted to do with our lives .
We were new mothers experiencing many things at once. We had doubts, and fears, but overtime this place was more than just a place to learn. It became a place to grow, to start over and to believe in ourselves.
One thing I have learned here is that success is not just a particular position or place to be in or success doesn’t come from perfection. For me success is progress. The progress that we all made after every rough night with a newborn or a toddler. The progress that we made by choosing to come to school every day.
Every tough decision they all matter and here we are. We made it! My advice for the future is simple: just show up for yourself, life might not go as we plan it but if you keep moving forward even small things will lead you to big changes.”
Alumnae and Second Generation Bursary Awards
Next, Alumnae and Second Generation Bursary Award recipients were presented. We were pleased to be able to award some of our recipients in person at the ceremony this year. More information about Alumnae and Second Generation Bursaries, and our 2025 recipients, including photos, can be found on our Alumnae Bursary website page here: http://www.youvillecentre.org/our-impact/alumnae-bursaries/
Thank you, to every one of our bursary donors, and special thanks to those who have continued to provide bursaries for our graduates for multiple years. These donated bursaries make a huge impact on two generations, as our graduates pursue their post-secondary education and create a better life for themselves and their children.
Thank You's
We are grateful to our photographer, Anne Girard for donating her professional skills to capture the special moments you see pictured from our graduation! Big thanks as well to Versailles Academy of Make-Up Arts, Esthetics and Hair, for the group of students who donated their time and skills as hairstylists for our graduates this year!
Many thanks to our dedicated staff in the Child Development Program, Intensive Treatment Support Program, Support Staff and Teachers for supporting our clients through their journeys and for the extensive planning and effort involved in making this day a great success!
