The YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg supports the education, training and personal development of staff and volunteers through an annual scholarship program. Successful applicants are awarded their scholarship at the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg’s Annual General Meeting. This year we were proud to support the future academic goals of 10 youth recipients with a $750 scholarship. 

To support the Youth Scholarship Program, donate here.

2024 Scholarship Award Recipients

Front Row: (left to right) Jessica Thompson, Cecilia Cormier, Isabella Vechina, Krupa Mashru, Mhao Palevino, and Rebecca Powell.

Back Row: (left to right) Georgia Crymble, Sharif McCurdy, and Stefan Schaible-Schur.

Deneese Perey was not in attendance.

About Our 2024 Scholarship Winners

[Image] Cecilia Cormier Scholarship Recipient 2024

Cecilia Cormier (she/her)

The Y has always been a part of Cecilia’s life, especially during childhood. While taking swimming lessons, she looked up to the lifeguards and instructors, so it was a natural fit when she decided to become one herself at the West Portage Community Hub. After becoming a swim instructor and teaching kids such an important life skill, Cecilia learned of her passion for teaching. She is bringing all her life skills that she has learned into her schooling to fulfill her goals of becoming a music teacher. As she is improving her teaching skills, she will be using her exceptional teamwork skills to bring that back to her role at the Y. As she states in her essay, ‘Music has the power to bring people together with a sense of community and belonging’. Congratulations Cecilia!

[Image} Georgia Crymble 2024 Scholarship Recipient

Georgia Crymble (she/her)

Over the past 2 and a half years Georgia has taken great pride in teaching participants to swim, in the most trusting and supportive environment. She thrives on creating a safe and welcoming space for all. Lifeguarding in the mornings has built deeper connections with the members, even seniors entrusting her with their recipes! These roles have solidified Georgia’s commitment to lifelong water safety advocacy and personal development. She will begin her Bachelor of Education at the University of Winnipeg this fall and is looking forward to bringing these new skills into her roles. Congratulations Georgia!

[Image] Krupa Mashru 2024 Scholarship Recipient

Krupa Mashru (she/her)

Krupa is currently an international student at University of Manitoba taking Recreation Management to become an Athletic Therapist. She joined the South Community Hub as fitness services staff in December 2021 and since then has taken on multiple roles with the team. She puts her exceptional leadership skills to use as Supervisor on Duty and proactively promotes the Y experience at the Membership Desk. Her educational achievements will provide her with theory and practical insights into sports management. She will be able to use this knowledge to improve overall organizational efficiency, community outreach, and program development. Congratulations Krupa!

[Image] Sharif McCurdy

Sharif McCurdy (he/him)

Sharif’s parents met at the Downtown Y in 1987, so naturally the Y was bound to be a place for him to grow up. His grandfather regularly took him to work out when he was 12, and eventually he carried this into his adulthood. Currently Sharif works four different roles at the South Community Hub, including Supervisor on Duty, Membership, Fitness Services and Children’s Programs. He has been able to work on his conflict management and interpersonal skills which will serve him well as he pursues his law degree. Congratulations Sharif!

[Image] Mhao Palevino

Mhao Palevino (she/her)

As a new immigrant, Mhao was not sure how her career path would start until she began her job as a Child Care Assistant at Creative Play. She immediately knew how important her role is for the children in her care, being witness to and a part of their growth and development. She continually learns and involves herself in child development opportunities to better care for the children. The encouragement from her team and director has supported her to pursue her Early Childhood Educator II designation. Being a part of the Y team also allows Mhao to have a good work/life balance with use of the gym and pool for personal development. She is looking forward to using her ECE program to achieve maximum potential in childhood education, with an ultimate goal of ECE III in a supervisory goal. Congratulations Mhao!

[Image] White Silhouette of Person with Words "Photo Not Available"

Deneese Perey (she/her)

Deneese knows the importance of individualized communication tailored towards each participant as she supports them in the After School Program for Youth with Additional Needs. It enables her to create a more diverse and inclusive program regardless of abilities. She strives to create a learning environment to assist the youth in baking, creating crafts, and participating in physical activities. She is in her Bachelor Degree at University of Winnipeg, which will help her greatly in her role. Congratulations Deneese!

[Image} Rebecca Powell

Rebecca Powell (she/her)

As a 9-year-old camper, Rebecca found a lifelong passion for the outdoors. Now, later in life as a staff member, Camp Stephens has allowed her to fully understand her capabilities, push limits, and grow as an individual. In her various roles at camp over the years, Rebecca consistently strives to provide the best camp experience for all children. Advancing into a senior staff role has allowed her to further her leadership skills and continue to give back to the island and Y community. Rebecca is studying at University of Manitoba and will be using this scholarship towards her Honours Political Studies degree. Congratulations Rebecca!

[Image] Stefan Schaible-Schur

Stefan Schaible-Schur (he/him)

The Y is a significant part of Stefan’s life, first as a baby learning how to swim and now split between working at Camp Stephens and as a lifeguard at the Downtown Community Hub. The summers have been spent honing leadership skills and building empathy, adaptability and teamwork. The lifelong friendship that spread globally are a testament to the impact the Y has had for him. Stefan is currently in 3rd year Biology at the University of Manitoba. This knowledge will suit him well as he leads canoe trips this summer, instilling a deeper understanding of environmental responsibility and conservation among participants. Congratulations Stefan!

[Image] Jessica Thompson

Jessica Thompson (she/her)

In her time at the Y, Jessica has worked as a gymnastics instructor, day camp counsellor, and dance instructor. Jessica’s first priority is to provide a safe space for all kids to learn and grow, ensuring each child feels included and valued. She sees her class as the place to work on socialization and physical literacy while striving for that proud ‘I did it’ moment! Working in the day camp has shown Jessica that she wants to work with children in the next chapter of her life. She will be pursuing her studies to support children’s mental and physical development. Congratulations Jessica!

[Image] Isabella Vechina

Isabella Vechina (she/her)

Isabella began her journey at the Y taking swimming lessons as a child. Learning about water safety instilled a value of swimming becoming an essential life skill-one that everyone should have. Getting in the water has helped her with her own personal growth and development. Her exceptional technical and communication skills have proven crucial in her interactions with colleagues and members. Isabella plans to attend the University of Manitoba, to become a nurse. She will be able to advance her first aid and medical knowledge and hopes to share that with her Y team. Congratulations Isabella!