The Portage Learning and Literacy Centre celebrated its 2025 Graduation and Achievement Ceremony Thursday afternoon at Stride Place, in partnership with the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) Adult Learning Centre program.
A diverse group of determined students marked the completion of their high school education, each one stepping forward with hope and vision for the future.
Among the proud graduates were Reid Achtymichuk, Rueben Chartrand, and Kreg Dorion, alongside Johnson Ettawacappo, Gage Gumowsky-Boras, and Dana Mayo-Mousseau. Also receiving diplomas were Juanita Meeches, Julia Myran, and Lindsay Opala, followed by Corriann Sinclair-Major, Hanna Umpherville, and Jessica Woodward.
Together, the Class of 2025 represents resilience, determination and growth. Their achievements reflect not only their personal effort, but the encouragement of families, teachers and community members who supported them along the way.
For Hanna Umpherville, the moment was especially meaningful.
“It feels amazing,” she said. “That’s what I want to do. When I was 15, my mother passed, and then it was really hard on me. I ended up dropping out and then ended up going to foster care. And I finished school there for a little bit. But then it just kind of slipped away again. Now I just thought, ‘I really want that. I really want that diploma.’ So, yeah, it happened. I made it.”
Umpherville plans to pursue a career in cosmetology.
Lindsay Opala, originally from Portage la Prairie and born in Winnipeg, also reflected on her journey.
“It feels amazing, with my son, taking my diploma,” she said. “I’ve gone through a lot of hard times in the last couple of years, and I just wanted to prove to my kids that they can do anything they set their mind to, no matter what. And, I kind of proved it to myself. So, I’m excited, I’m happy, and it’s one of the best days of my life.”
Opala hopes to become a youth addictions counsellor or advocate.
“So, it’s baby steps, but I’m going to get there,” she added.
Her son, Elijah Murdock, shared in the moment.
“It’s amazing. I don’t know how to explain it. It’s hard to put it into words,” he said. “It’s like putting together a thousand-piece puzzle. Not going to lie.”
Rueben Chartrand, from Sandy Bay First Nation, said graduation felt “great” and was a step toward a lifelong dream.
“I’m looking to pursue a career in law enforcement,” he said. “I’d like to fill the boots my father once wore. He was in law enforcement for about roughly 30 years, and I’m looking to pursue the same. His name was Joseph Chartrand.”
Chartrand said he had always wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps, but had dropped out of high school earlier in life. Three years ago, he made the decision to return and earn his diploma.
