Three local Orillia students received the 2026 Skid Watson YMCA Scholarships this month from the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. Each student was awarded $1,500 to help fund their post-secondary education.
The Skid Watson YMCA Scholarship is awarded to secondary school graduates in Orillia who demonstrate the YMCA’s values of kindness, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and optimism. The scholarship is named in memory of local humanitarian and leader Gordon Alexander “Skid” Watson in recognition of his commitment to lifelong learning, leadership, and youth development.
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is pleased to announce the following award recipients for the 2025/2026 school year:
- Denys Romanets from Orillia Secondary School
- Rebecca Emons from Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School
- Neveah-Lynne Blake from Twin Lakes Secondary School
These scholarships are made possible through the Skid Watson Endowment Funds held by the Community Foundation of Orillia and Area in partnership with the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. The family of Skid Watson participated in the creation of the scholarships and the selection process. They are incredibly proud that the legacy of their beloved family member will continue to benefit youth in the Orillia community.
Kate Meeks, Senior Director of Philanthropy at the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, said, “This scholarship continues to honour the legacy of Skid Watson by recognizing exceptional students who demonstrate a deep commitment to learning, leadership, and community involvement. At the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, we see every day how investing in young people creates lasting impact. When we remove barriers and champion their aspirations, we are not only supporting their educational journeys, we are strengthening our communities for today and for generations to come. We are proud to stand beside these inspiring students as they shape the future.”
To qualify for one of the three available scholarships, students had to submit an essay or video emphasizing their commitment to Y values, commitment to creating a healthier community, post-secondary goals, and how this experience will benefit the community.
Recipient Denys Romanets from Orillia Secondary School has spent a significant amount of time volunteering at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, the Orillia Public Library, as well as the Orillia Recreation Centre. Denys is a member of the Health and Wellness Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), where he earned specialized certifications and hands-on experience in clinical environments. He has served as President of his school’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter which tested his ability to organize large-scale events and motivate peers interested in healthcare.
Denys Romanets, Orillia Secondary School recipient.
Denys plans to attend the Health Science program at McMaster University next year with the aim of becoming a pediatrician. “I plan to gain further clinical experience while strengthening the interpersonal skills necessary for patient advocacy. I’m so incredibly honoured to receive the Skid Watson YMCA scholarship. It means the world to me to be recognized for my involvement and dedication over the past four years. The scholarship gave me the motivation to continue pursuing my goals, to keep giving back to the community, and to make the most of every opportunity I encounter,” said Denys.
Recipient Rebecca Emons from Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School is involved closely with her school’s Student Council, where she was the Activity Coordinator, and has played an active role on both the orientation and graduation committees. Rebecca is an active member of her community, contributing more than 300 hours of volunteer work over the past four years. Rebecca has completed cooperative education courses in kindergarten classes at a local elementary school, ensuring that activities were prepared for students and assisted them in engaging with learning opportunities.
Rebecca Emons, Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School recipient.
In September, Rebecca plans to start an Early Childhood Education program at Georgian College. “I am so incredibly grateful for being awarded the Skid Watson YMCA scholarship. I appreciate being granted this opportunity that will support my post-secondary education in the field of Early Childhood Education. This recognition inspires me to continue working hard to achieve my goals while instilling the love of learning in the children that I work with,” said Rebecca.
Recipient Neveah-Lynne Blake from Twin Lakes Secondary School is an active volunteer in her community. She has volunteered at Tim Hortons helping to make Smile Cookies, at McDonald’s for “McHappy Day”, and at her school as a LINK leader, helping new grade 9 students with orientation and transition to high school.
Neveah-Lynne Blake, Twin Lakes Secondary School recipient.
While in Grade 12, Neveah-Lynne took a dual credit course in Early Childhood Education, which inspired her to pursue a career in the Early Childhood Education field. “This award will help relieve a burden that has weighed heavily on me and my family, allowing me to focus more on my education and less on how I will afford the next step. More importantly, it gives me confidence that my dreams are possible. I am incredibly grateful to the YMCA and the Skid Watson Scholarship Committee for investing in students like me. Your generosity is helping to change the direction of my life, and I will carry that gift with me as I continue my education and work toward building a future that once felt impossible,” said Neveah-Lynne.
We at the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka and the Community Foundation of Orillia and Area are inspired by all the youth who applied for the Skid Watson YMCA Scholarships and their amazing contributions to their communities. Congratulations to Denys, Rebecca, and Neveah-Lynne for your amazing achievement and good luck in your post-secondary journeys!