The Skid Watson YMCA Scholarship celebrates graduating high school students in Orillia who are committed to community and leadership. Named in memory of local humanitarian Gordon Alexander “Skid” Watson, the scholarship honours his lifelong dedication to leadership and youth development. Each year, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka awards this scholarship to three students who truly live the YMCA values of kindness, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and optimism.
Recently, we caught up with Jyllian, one of our 2025 Skid Watson YMCA Scholarship recipients, to see how her first year of university is shaping her path. Her story reminds us why investing in youth is one of the most powerful ways to build a healthier, more connected community.
Jyllian’s dedication to helping others took root early on. Like many young people in our community, she found a sense of belonging and purpose through local YMCA programs.
“My experiences at the Geneva Park YMCA sparked my passion for service to my community,” Jyllian shares. “The empathy, respect, and inclusivity I received guided me to make a positive impact on my community. Some of my best summer memories were there, and the programming at the Y camp was amazing. I love that camp.”
Before heading off to university, Jyllian made her mark as a student at Patrick Fogarty Secondary School. She stepped into leadership roles that showcased her deep integrity and commitment to inclusiveness.
Serving as the president of the Patrick Fogarty Social Activism Club, she worked tirelessly to raise awareness about social injustices, shining a particular spotlight on homelessness in Orillia. Under her guidance, the club organized a ‘Coldest Night of the Year’ fundraiser, raising an impressive $2,800 to support those in need.
Jyllian also lent her energy and optimism to her school’s Multicultural Club and the Relay for Life committee. Through every initiative, she demonstrated the exact kind of compassionate leadership the Skid Watson YMCA Scholarship seeks to celebrate.
Today, Jyllian is applying that same drive at the University of Guelph, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. With her eyes set on a career in healthcare, she is building the skills needed to care for others on a larger scale.
“University has been going very well,” Jyllian says about her journey over the past year. “It’s a big jump from high school, but things have been going very well, and I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Transitioning to post-secondary education brings new challenges, but community support can make a profound difference. The $1,500 Skid Watson YMCA Scholarship, generously supported by the Orillia Community Foundation and the Watson family, provided crucial support for the new post-secondary student.
“It has been very important because it supported me through the first year of my studies,” she explains. “It lessened the burden of having to have a job during my studies so I could improve my grades and not have to prioritize other things.”
Even with a demanding schedule, Jyllian continues to find ways to share her warmth with others. She encourages new graduates to embrace the transition with an open heart.
“Be ready for a big change, but don’t be scared,” she advises. “Try lots of things because there are so many different things to try. My school has about 300 clubs. I’m currently taking part in a club I really like called Medmuse, where we do instrumental performances at senior care homes.”
Through Medmuse, she continues to spread joy and build connections, proving that the values she championed in Orillia have travelled with her to Guelph.
We want to empower the next generation of compassionate leaders, just like Jyllian. Every year, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka offers the Skid Watson YMCA Scholarship to three graduating Orillia high school students who exemplify kindness, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and optimism.
If you are a student thinking about applying, Jyllian offers a wonderful piece of advice: “Write about something that comes from your heart. I wrote about my time at YMCA camp, which was very special to me.”
To learn more about the award, gather application details, and take the next step toward your future, please visit: www.ymcasm.ca/SkidWatsonScholarship
Applications remain open until May 8, 2026.