2022/23 YIP Winter Initiative Graduation
The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) Youth in Policing (YIP) Initiative celebrated the success of the 2022-23 YIP Winter Initiative with a graduation ceremony on March 29, 2023, in Ajax!
The 70 graduate students, 13 members of the YIP Leadership Team, their families, friends, and distinguished guests gathered to celebrate and highlight their phenomenal accomplishments over the past 14 weeks.
The graduation commenced with the DRPS Pipes and Drums leading a ceremonial parade of the graduates to their seats. Newly appointed DRPS Chief Peter Moreira provided opening remarks congratulating the students on their successes, followed by CAO Stan MacLellan speaking on the impact these students have made on their community and how they have developed transferrable skills to last their lifetime.
Nadine Williams shared the Fabric of our Being Quilt Project she collaborated on with YIP. This project stands as a permanent reminder that everybody has an opportunity to show off the fabric of who they are. YIP students had the opportunity to submit quilt tiles surrounding the theme of Affirming Identity and Black Excellence.
Leadership team members were welcomed on stage and congratulated on each of their major events: Operation G.I.V.E., Coldest Night of the Year Fundraiser, IMPACT Youth Forum, Parasport Ontario Games, Basketball Tournament for Special Olympics, C.A.N. Conference, and Program Media.
The ceremony proceeded with the three valedictorians who shared their most memorable moments through their speeches, followed by student awards for their outstanding achievements throughout the program. Three students were selected to receive the UNITED Award for representing the vision, values, and mission of YIP; the YIP Award for demonstrating exceptional personal and professional development; and the final Chief Todd Rollauer Award for Excellence in Leadership.
Furthermore, Program Coordinator Victoria was awarded the Community, Advocacy, and Networking Award for significantly contributing to enhancing the program. Retired Chief Todd Rollauer was presented with the DRPS Member Appreciation Award for his continued support of the program.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining the 2023 Youth in Policing Summer Initiative, applications are open until April 11th. For more information, please visit www.drps.ca/yip or email us at youthinpolicing@drps.ca.
