On May 7 and 8, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) students are putting their talents on display at the provincial Skills Alberta competitions. "To me, being selected to take part in Skills is a huge accomplishment in my life," says Allyson Huculak, a Grade 10 student at Vegreville Composite High. "I've grown in not only my cooking skills, but as a person too."
Allyson Huculak, a Grade 10 student at Vegreville Composite High, won first place in the Culinary Arts category at the Lakeland regionals for Skills Alberta, earning a spot in the provincial competition.
Huculak will compete in the provincials, after winning first place in the Culinary Arts category at the Lakeland regionals. She has also won a supplemental competition at the High School Culinary Challenge, along with teammates Aeryn Blair and Sandra Conner. "My skill of cooking comes from a long generation of female caterers that I'm proud to be a part of and an amazing coach to help me along the way," says Huculak. "Although I do not see myself pursuing a career in culinary arts, Skills Canada and my love of cooking have always had a special place in my heart, and I look forward to the next two years of my high school culinary career."
Skills competitions promote excellence in trades and technology, allow students to discover career path opportunities and enhance the quality of technological education. This year, EIPS has many students competing in various event categories, including:
- Baking
- Avery Stasuik, Grade 12, Salisbury Composite High
- Culinary Arts Junior
- James Lowes, Grade 9, Vegreville Composite High
- Culinary Arts Senior
- Allyson Huculak, Grade 10, Vegreville Composite High
- Andrew Kalvin, Grade 12, Bev Facey Community High
- Gavin Friedenberg, Grade 12, Salisbury Composite High
- Fashion Technology
- Kayla Klita, Grade 10, Salisbury Composite High
- Workplace Safety
- Aly Waldo, Grade 10, Strathcona Christian Academy Secondary
- Layne Lowes, Grade 12, Vegreville Composite High
Allyson Huculak, a Grade 10 student at Vegreville Composite High, competes in the Culinary Arts competition at the Lakeland regionals for Skills Alberta, winning first place.
To reach provincials, students must first compete in a regional or qualifying Skills Canada Alberta competition or be selected by their school for skill areas not offered in their region. "It's another year to celebrate the self-discovery, passion and commitment of students across the Division with the competitions and opportunities Skills Alberta offers," says Kristin Sawchuk, the Supervisor for Career Pathways at EIPS. "It's amazing to see the outstanding performances of EIPS students at regionals, and it'll be just as exhilarating to watch them strive for excellence at provincials. Each of these students is supported by incredible teachers and coaches committed to nurturing their interest in a skill and pushing them to be the best they can be."
Gold medalists at the provincial competitions are rewarded with an invitation to join Team Alberta. Students can then showcase their skills at the Skills Canada National Competition, which is held in a different Canadian city every year.
Skills Alberta is part of a national association, Skills Canada, which has offices in each territory and province in Canada. In 1992, Skills Canada Alberta was established to equip young minds with the skills that will help Canada compete successfully in a drastically changing world market. This is accomplished through programming targeted at junior high, senior high and post-secondary students. Through Skills Alberta, students gain access to career resources, scholarships, references and more.
In addition to provincials, EIPS is sending many students from junior and senior high schools to explore potential career pathways at Skills City and to participate in the Girls Exploring Trades and Technologies event. The Skills Alberta provincials are open to the public and free to attend. To learn more about Skills Alberta competitions and events, see the Skills Alberta website.
One of the winning dishes from Allyson Huculak, a Grade 10 student at Vegreville Composite High, who earned the top spot at the Lakeland regionals for Skills Alberta.
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