2023/24 YIP Winter Initiative Graduation
DRPS’ Youth in Policing (YIP) Initiative celebrated the success of the 2023-24 YIP Winter Initiative with a graduation ceremony on March 27, 2024, held at J Clarke Richardson Collegiate.
At the celebratory ceremony, the 79 graduating students, along with the 14 members of the YIP Leadership Team, their families, friends, and distinguished guests, gathered to celebrate their outstanding achievements over the past 14 weeks.
These significant achievements, which profoundly impacted our community, included:
- Coldest Night of the Year
- 4th Annual IMPACT Youth Forum
- Special Olympics Basketball Tournament
- C.A.N. Conference
The 2023-24 YIP Winter Initiative marked a significant milestone for the DRPS YIP Initiative, introducing a cohort model for the first time. This approach saw the students divided into two groups of 40, each offering the same unique learning and skill development opportunities.
The graduation commenced with the DRPS Pipes and Drums leading a ceremonial parade of the graduates to their seats. Police Service Board member Karen Fisher delivered encouraging opening remarks, followed by Deputy Chief Dean Bertrim congratulating the students on their remarkable impact within the community, finishing with Parliamentary Assistant MPP Nolan Quinn welcoming attendees and commenting on behalf of the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services.
The ceremony proceeded with a valedictorian from each cohort, followed by seven students receiving awards on behalf of the YIP Leadership team for their exceptional accomplishments. The Future Aces award presented by Bernice Carnegie for students who embody leadership and resilience; and the Chief Peter Moreira Award for Excellence in Leadership.
In addition, the Community, Advocacy, and Networking Award was awarded to Supervising Team Leader Kale Juteau for his exceptional leadership throughout the program. Retired Staff Sergeant Tony Romano was also recognized with the DRPS Member Appreciation Award for his continuous support behind the scenes at YIP.
For more information, please visit www.drps.ca/yip or email them at youthinpolicing@drps.ca.