Youth Rising 2025–2026

Mattapan Tech Youth Graduation & Community Recognition Ceremony

Sunday, August 2, 2026
5:00 PM
The Voice of Tabernacle
47 Edgewater Drive, Mattapan, MA
Theme Empowering Our Community One Bit at a Time

A Celebration of Achievement

Welcome to the Mattapan Tech Youth Graduation and Community Recognition Ceremony.

This evening, we celebrate the dedication, creativity, perseverance, and accomplishments of our 2025–2026 Youth Rising cohort. We also recognize community leaders, partners, sponsors, staff members, and families whose commitment continues to create opportunities for young people throughout Mattapan and Greater Boston.

Today’s graduates have demonstrated that, with access to technology, mentorship, education, and meaningful employment opportunities, young people can become leaders and powerful agents of change in their communities.

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Sheila Marcellus, keynote speaker

Dr. Sheila Marcellus

DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Dr. Sheila Marcellus is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, educator, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate with more than 26 years of healthcare experience, including over 15 years in psychiatry and behavioral health.

She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lotus Psychiatry & Wellness, where she provides compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care to adolescents and adults.

A dedicated champion for mental health, Dr. Marcellus is committed to reducing stigma while promoting culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and holistic care. In addition to her clinical practice, she mentors future healthcare professionals and speaks widely on mental health, leadership, resilience, and personal development.

Dr. Marcellus also serves on several nonprofit and healthcare boards. As a member of the Citizen Advisory Board for the Department of Developmental Services in Brockton, she advocates for equitable access to quality mental healthcare and services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Guided by her Christian faith and a deep commitment to service, Dr. Marcellus works to inspire hope, restore lives, and strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

Event Program

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Rev. Jacques Dady Jean

Executive Director, Mattapan Tech

Invocation

Bishop Nicolas Homicil

Introduction of the Board of Directors

Introduction of the Mattapan Tech Youth Rising Staff

Recognition of Special Guests

Mr. Henry Milorin and Mrs. Henry Milorin; Randolph Town Councilor Katrina Huff-Larmond; community leaders and distinguished guests

Recognition of Community Partners and Sponsors

Celebrating the 2025–2026 Youth Cohort

Highlights of the year’s accomplishments and dedication of the 2025–2026 Youth Cohort

Unveiling of MTYR.org

Presentation of the community website developed by Mattapan Tech youth to connect residents with local businesses, organizations, services, recreational opportunities, and community resources.

Visit MTYR.org

Presentation of Community Service Awards

Henry Milorin Community Service Award

Mr. Corey Allen

Mrs. Jemma Cooper

Ken Clifton Community Service Award

Rev. Guival Mercedat

Dr. Sheila Marcellus

Special Remarks

Randolph Town Councilor Katrina Huff-Larmond

Youth Voices and Testimonies

Emmanuela Louis
Ruth Francesca Annylusse
Bilen Dereje
Bedeline Elvetus

Remarks and Introduction of the Keynote Speaker

Dr. Daliza Nova

Assistant Vice President, Corporate and Nonprofit Training, Urban College of Boston

Keynote Address

Dr. Sheila Marcellus, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Celebrating Our Graduates

Graduation Ceremony

Transition to the Graduation Ceremony

Presentation of Graduation Certificates

Recognition of Graduates

Presentation of awards and scholarships

Official Group Photograph

Charge to the Graduates

Rev. Jacques Dady Jean

Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bishop Nicolas Homicil

Conclusion of the Ceremony

Congratulations!

Mattapan Tech Youth Graduates

Today, we celebrate your hard work, perseverance, creativity, leadership, and commitment to building a brighter future. Continue to learn, lead, serve, and use your talents to strengthen your families and communities.

Empowering Our Community One Bit at a Time