April Spence grew up near Rossbrook House, attending Dufferin elementary school. She played many sports during her school years including speed skating and hockey. She also participated in many Rossbrook House activities while her mom Nancy was employed by Rossbrook House.

2022 Scholarship Recipient

April is in her fourth year of the Bachelor of Education program at the University of Winnipeg Education Centre.

April is receiving a Sister Bernadette O’Reilly scholarship and told us that she grateful for the support that makes a difference in her life!

You can read more about the 2022 Scholarship Celebration here.

2021 Scholarship Recipient

April Spence is in her third year of the Bachelor of Education program at the University of Winnipeg Education Centre.

April, we are thrilled to be able to help you to achieve your goals.  We are delighted to award to you the Sister Bernadette O’Reilly Scholarship.  Congratulations April!

You can view the 2021 Scholarship Celebration here.

History

April is clearly a go-getter, in junior high she and a group of her friends formed a youth committee at Sinclair Park Community centre. They organized dances, bake sales and BBQs.

April graduated from Tec Voc high school’s auto mechanics program in 2002. She has worked for  “The Joseph Beeper Spence Youth Drop-In Centre”- named after her late brother. She and her sister started the Lighthouse Program and April has also worked for the Boys and Girls Club.

April is mom to two boys. They keep her very busy playing a number of different sports.

A message from Sister Bernadette O’Reilly

“You are an amazing young woman. You know yourself and your strengths and you go for it!  Your achievements are wonderful and I suspect you are just beginning. We will be watching with much anticipation to see where life leads you,” Sister Bernadette O’Reilly.

Future

As of  September 2018, she is enrolled in the Bachelor of Education program at the University of Winnipeg Education Centre.

We’re thrilled to be able to help her to achieve her goals and award April the Sister Bernadette O’Reilly Scholarship in 2018, 2019 and again in 2020. Congratulations April!

In her own words

“Being a 3rd time recipient of the Sister Bernadette award means so much to me and my post-secondary journey. Rossbrook House will always be a piece of my heart, and I am truly honoured to be a part of such an amazing place that continues to be a positive aspect in my life, especially during this pandemic.”

You can view the 2020 online Scholarship Celebration here.