A Pebble's Ripple Effect: The Tracy Youck Foundation Memorial Scholarship
Every scholarship carries with it a story, and the newly created Tracy Youck Foundation Memorial Scholarship is no different. Upon reading the name of this award, one can’t help but ask, who was Tracy Youck? What lasting impression did she make on people’s lives to have sparked its creation?
An Education graduate of the University of Regina and Trois Rivières in Quebec, Tracy began her 30-year career as a French Immersion teacher, and later as a Teacher Librarian for the Regina Public School Division. She devoted countless hours to designing and developing lesson plans, which often integrated her passion for the arts. The impact of her teaching was immeasurable and directly encouraged students to venture into a wide range of fields, such as interior design, landscape architecture, architecture, and engineering, to name a few.
“Tracy and I had talked about giving back in some way, and her untimely death accelerated that intention,” said James Youck, Tracy’s husband and an architect with P3A. “Choosing to support the Education Through the Arts program was a good fit, as that was so important to her. As one who holds an Arts degree, I believe this discipline has the power to unlock a broader understanding of our interconnected world, and fuse together math, science, culture, and beauty. I want to make sure post-secondary students who share Tracy’s aspirations have the financial ability to follow them.”
Beloved by colleagues and students alike, Tracy will always be remembered for the light she brought, the happiness she shared, and the compassion she offered to everyone around her. Together for nearly a quarter of a century, she and James were planning travel adventures around the world in celebration of Tracy’s nearing retirement.
Three short months before that was possible, however, tragedy struck when Tracy passed away in December of 2023. As anyone would imagine, the year that followed would be incredibly difficult for James, but out of the grief and painful heartbreak something good emerged.
Just like the drop of a pebble creates far-reaching ripples in a pond, a single act of kindness touches lives in ways that may not be seen, but felt. ... This scholarship will not only memorialize Tracy, but also extend her legacy of helping others. — James Youck
One year down the road, James honoured his late wife’s memory and the person she was by creating The Tracy Youck Foundation Memorial Scholarship.
“Just like the drop of a pebble creates far-reaching ripples in a pond, a single act of kindness touches lives in ways that may not be seen, but felt,” James added. “The effect multiplies over time, in that the students who benefit will go on to make a difference in the lives of others. So, this scholarship will not only memorialize Tracy, but also extend her legacy of helping others.”
Last year, more than 2,500 University of Regina students earned awards, be it through scholarships, bursaries, or other types of recognition. Without the generosity of donors, neither these awards nor the stories of success that their ripples inspired would have been possible.
To everyone who has either created or made a financial contribution to a student award – and to everyone who honoured a loved one in such a meaningful way, such as James Youck has – we hope you feel our, and the many award recipients’, deepest gratitude.
Banner photo credit: James Youck.