From scholarships to acts of courage, the annual Completion Ceremony celebrated the remarkable young people whose leadership, resilience, and commitment to community define the VPD Cadet Program.
After 28 weeks of leadership development, mentorship, fitness, community service, and personal growth, 86 young people gathered with family, friends, donors, and community partners to celebrate the successful completion of VPD Cadet Class 12.
The Completion Ceremony marked the culmination of an incredible year, recognizing cadets whose achievements extended far beyond academic success. Thanks to the generosity of Vancouver Police Foundation donors, graduates were recognized through scholarships and awards celebrating leadership, perseverance, compassion, and service while supporting their post-secondary journeys.
One of Class 12’s most remarkable achievements is that 100% of graduating Grade 12 cadets plan to pursue post-secondary education. Their interests span law, criminology, policing, health, medicine, psychology, engineering, STEM, business, entrepreneurship, social sciences, and the humanities, a testament to the confidence, ambition, and potential fostered through the Cadet Program.
Investing in the Next Generation 
The Vancouver Police Foundation proudly presented six $1,000 Scholarship Awards of Excellence, helping graduates pursue post-secondary education. Congratulations to this year’s recipients: Jasneet Kaur Thandi, Mannat Rhandawa, Mathew Luu, Peyton Matterson, Raymond Min Wuan Jiang, and Ritchel Tinggaan.
The Chief Adam Palmer Leadership Award recognizes graduating cadets who exemplify exceptional leadership, personal growth, dedication to the Cadet Program, and service to their communities. This year’s recipients were Rafaella Benzi Lang, recognized for their resilience, compassion, and unwavering determination despite significant personal challenges, and Carlo Daoud, whose remarkable transformation from a quiet first-year cadet to Cadet Drill Sergeant reflected outstanding leadership, discipline, and perseverance.
The Meyrick Manuel Scholarship was presented to Rosie Jimenez, whose compassion, integrity, and resilience exemplified the program’s ICARE values. Despite facing significant personal challenges, Rosie remained committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment while consistently supporting those around them.
Service Beyond the Program
This year also marked the introduction of the VPD Cadet Exemplary Service Award, approved by Chief Constable Steve Rai to recognize cadets whose actions go above and beyond in serving others.
The inaugural recipients, Azada Mohibi, Fayiza Mohibi, Ali Rahbari Salout, and Isabelle Clark, were honoured for extraordinary acts of courage and compassion.
While travelling to Cadets one morning, sisters Azada and Fayiza Mohibi noticed a woman unknowingly leave her wallet behind as she exited the SkyTrain. Without hesitation, Fayiza retrieved the wallet and ran after the woman while Azada gathered both of their bags and followed. Their simple act of kindness left such a lasting impression that a witness later shared the story online in hopes of identifying the cadets.
Isabelle Clark, a Class 11 graduate and Cadet volunteer, stepped in to help an unconscious man near Main and Hastings, assisting a nurse in administering two doses of naloxone (Narcan), calling for an ambulance, and remaining with him until he was safe.
Meanwhile, Ali Rahbari Salout, a Class 10 graduate and Cadet volunteer, demonstrated exceptional courage while working at an event at UBC. When confronted by an armed individual, Ali disarmed the suspect despite sustaining injuries, helping protect everyone nearby.
These acts are a powerful reminder that the Cadet Program’s impact extends far beyond its 28 weeks of training. Its greatest success is reflected in the choices cadets make when they have the opportunity to help others.
A Year Worth Celebrating
Every scholarship and award presented at the Completion Ceremony reflects something greater than individual achievement. Together, they tell the story of a program that empowers young people to become confident leaders, compassionate citizens, and positive role models in their communities.
Congratulations to every member of VPD Cadet Class 12. Your dedication, perseverance, and commitment to serving others have made this an exceptional year.
To our donors, thank you. Your generosity makes the VPD Cadet Program possible, ensuring every young person can participate regardless of financial circumstances. Together, we are building stronger leaders and bright futures.
The Vancouver Police Foundation helps advance initiatives in five key areas that strengthen community connections, support youth, and help keep Vancouver safe: Community Engagement Grants, VPD Cadets, the VPD K9 Unit & Police Service Dogs, the VPD Mounted Unit, and Special Projects, Programs & Equipment. Help bring innovative ideas to life and strengthen public safety across Vancouver by making a gift today.
