YMCA recognizes two youth leaders with 2026 Christopher Cutler Youth Development Scholarship

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Christopher Cutler Development Scholarship as Grace Mwalyo and Sydney Oyewuni.   

The Christoper Cutler Youth Development Scholarship recognizes Hamilton youth who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to personal growth and community development. Recipients are awarded $1000 to support their education and career development.  

2026 Recipients 
 

Grace Mwalyo is a recent graduate of St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School. She was a part of the Leaders In Training Program at the Hamilton YMCA, and is active with the  Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI) assisting the police with community engagement events. She also is active in her church, and a part of a cultural dance team called Turendi/Nyakinyua to celebrate her Kenyan heritage.  

Grace will be attending Toronto Metropolitan University in the fall to pursue her journalism degree.  

Sydney Oyewuni is a recent graduate of Bishop Ryan Catholic Secondary School. She is an avid volunteer in her community and school. She has been a part of the yearbook and prefect committee at her school and  has volunteered for community events such as The Battle Of Stoney Creek Re-enactment and the Apple Festival among others.  

Sydney will be pursuing a degree in Kinesiology at McMaster University in the fall.  

 
The YMCA is deeply committed to empowering youth and helping them reach their full potential. At its core, the YMCA believes that every young person deserves a safe, supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. Through a wide range of programs—such as sports, leadership development, mentorship, and community service—the YMCA nurtures not only physical health, but also confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging. Through initiatives like the Christopher Cutler Scholarship for Youth Development we can help build stronger individuals, and, in turn stronger communities for our future.  

“Congratulations to Grace and Sydney on this well-deserved recognition. Their dedication to leadership, community involvement, and personal growth truly reflects the spirit of the Christopher Cutler Youth Development Scholarship. At the YMCA, we are inspired by young people who are committed to making a positive impact, and we are proud to support their journeys as they pursue their goals.” - Nicki Glowacki, Chief Operating Officer