SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 83 (NORTH OKANAGAN-SHUSWAP)
Student Qualifies for National Competition

Students from Kwsaltktnews ne Secwepemcul'ecw School District No. 83 (SD83) showcased their exceptional skills at the B.C. Skills Canada Competition held in Abbotsford on April 16, 2025. The District's participants earned a gold medal, two silver medals, a bronze medal, and several commendable finishes.

SD83 students from A.L. Fortune (ALF) excelled in the automotive collision repair categoary securing all three medals: Gold - Sy Korf; Silver - Zak Korf; and, Bronze - Jon Wall. Sy Korf's gold medal win qualifies him for the Canadian Skills Canada competition, scheduled for May 29-30, 2025, in Regina, Saskatchewan. Congratulations and best of luck to Sy!

ALF student Nya Korpa earned a silver medal in the electrical competition. If the gold medalist is unable to compete, Nya will also qualify for the national finals.

Lee Hickling of ALF and Henry Flores of Pleasant Valley Secondary (PVSS) showcased their skills admirably, representing their school and district with pride. Lee competed in auto collision repair, while Henry participated in the culinary competition, both demonstrating exceptional talent and dedication.

Jaime Russell, an instructor for the dual credit hairstyling program at PVSS was honoured to serve as a judge at the Skills BC competition. Russell, a Red Seal Certified Hairstylist Instructor, expressed her pride in being asked to judge and "sage".

"This year, I was honoured to be asked again this time to "sage" the cut and colour competition, as well as serve as a judge for the men's sculpting category. It was a privilege to be involved in such a capacity. As the sole instructor of a unique hairstyling program, it was an incredible opportunity to witness the exceptional talent emerging from both secondary and post-secondary programs across the province."

Russell highlighted the privilege of witnessing the exceptional talent from secondary and post-secondary programs across the province. She explained that last year, she was invited to participate in the Skills BC Hairstyling competitions in a support role known as "saging." This involves being present on the competition floor to assist students and observe any actions that may not align with competition guidelines.

"It was truly inspiring to collaborate with experienced stylists and educators who have dedicated decades to supporting these events," she added. "I hope to bring one or two student competitors to next year's Skills BC competition, as it would be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talent within our program and our school district."

At the regional Skills Canada competition at Thompson Rivers University on March 7, 2025, SD83 students brought home two gold medals and two silver medals. There wasn't a regional event for auto collision repair, those students went straight to the provincial event.

Nya Korpa won gold in the Electrical Foundations event as part of the SD83 dual credit electrical program with Okanagan College. Pleasant Valley Secondary (PVSS) students also had a strong showing. Grade 12 student Arel Ciccone secured gold in the Automotive category, while Grade 11 student Owen Severinski earned silver.

In the culinary event, PVSS Grade 11 student Henry Flores, achieved an impressive silver medal which was an outstanding accomplishment given that he began the Professional Cook Level One dual credit training at ALF just three weeks prior. Competing against older competitors with more industry training, Henry still placed among the top contenders.

The top three finishers from the regional competition qualified for the provincial Skills Canada competition, held in Abbotsford. However, not all local qualifiers could attend due to other commitments.

Through Skills/Compétences Canada, the organization promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies to Canadian youth. The Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) is the premier event, connecting students and apprentices with potential career opportunities. Each year, over 500 of Canada's best compete in more than 40 skilled trade and technology competitions.

At SCNC, thousands of visitors explore career opportunities through more than 50 interactive Try-A-Trade® and Technology activities, exhibitor booths, and engagement with industry professionals.

SD83's participation in these competitions exemplifies the District's commitment to raising awareness of various career pathways available to students. For more information on SD83's career goals, refer to the SD83 2023-2028 Strategic Plan.