Young mothers celebrate juggling family, completing high school
LEAP grads lead by example with perseverance, willpower, dedication
It’s common to see tears and smiles at graduation ceremonies, but at this particular event there was some outright wailing — and some gurgling.
That’s to be expected, though, considering many of the people in the audience were babies and little toddlers.
The occasion was Niagara’s annual LEAP (Learning, Earning and Parenting) program graduation ceremony, held at Amici’s Banquet and Conference Centre in Thorold on Wednesday, where 32 young mothers
who managed to complete their high school education while taking care of young children celebrated their hard work.
The program helps young parents on social assistance to get their all-important high school education while developing parental and employment skills for the future.
It’s mandatory for young moms aged 16 and 17, and voluntary for those aged 18 to 25, and helps those moms juggle the demands of work, school and taking care of babies with subsidized daycare, employment, tutoring, counselling, fees for recreational activities and access to transportation.
Natasha Potter of Niagara
Falls had her “No. 1 cheerleader” — young daughter Rose — there to see her get her LEAP certificate. She told the other young moms that they’re an inspiration because 40 per cent of teen moms never complete high school.
“Each of us has overcome more than most,” she said. “Often on graduation day we look outside for heroes, but I see them right here among us.”
Adrienne Jugley, Niagara Region commissioner of community services, told the grads — many are moving on to postsecondary education — that LEAP staff and their families gathered for their ceremony are proud of them and can’t wait to see where their paths take them.
“Your perseverance has shown in your ability to balance work, education and family life,” she said. “Through your hard work and dedication you have opened doors to many more opportunities and many more successes.”
Jenna D’Amico of Welland said the grads, with the help of LEAP staff, are now positioned to carve out a niche for themselves and their children in this dog-eat-dog world.
“We have grown in the time we have known each other,” she said. “We have seen maturity, independence and parenting skills blossom.”
Melyssa Heaton of Welland said the young women led by example, showing hard work and dedication can help you reach your dreams and goals.
“We are strong, powerful parents who have faced personal struggles, and we did it,” she said.
Keynote speaker Tina Durlov, who has worked in supporting prenatal and adolescent parents emotionally and academically, said completing high school while caring for a young child is life-changing for the young moms who have to take on responsibilities much vaster than most teens.
“You had to become a different person,” she told the grads.
“You had to learn to believe in yourself.”
Durlov urged the grads to continue to push just as hard in the future and not fear running into roadblocks.
“Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid,” she said.
“Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.”
“Remember all the battles you won and all the fears you had to overcome.”
Other graduates were Brittany Bates, Kyle Cervone, Cassie Clarke, Alexis Gilmore, Brandie Hemeyer, Ireland Hunter-Litke, Krystyn Johnson, Amanda Klassen, Megan Latour, Alysha Taylor, Samantha Voth, Kaleigh Banner, Lindsay Cavers, Joanne Del Gobbo, Kaitlyn McChesney, Daina Proulx, Sydney Ricks, Xhesika Tellosi, Paige Anderson, Darlene Dodds, Jessica Heigl, Caitlyne Kissmann, Alexandra Marr, Sarah Stasiuk, Kristina Travis, Alana Watts and Summer Young.