The Toronto Congress Centre was abuzz with talent and enthusiasm from May 6 to 7 as Canada's largest skilled trades and technologies competition, Skills Ontario, unfolded its vibrant tapestry of ingenuity and skill. Welcoming over 2,400 competitors ranging from Grade 4 prodigies to seasoned apprentices, the event showcased the boundless potential residing within our nation's youth.
Rachael Alzner - Uxbridge S.S.
With fervor and dedication, students from across the Durham District School Board (DDSB) immersed themselves in a myriad of contests, each one a testament to their passion and prowess. From the intricate world of robotics to the tantalizing artistry of culinary endeavours, participants left no stone unturned in their quest for excellence. Contests such as VEX robotics, IT, hairstyling, 2D animation, architectural CAD, and home and team building pushed competitors to their limits.
For many, Skills Ontario is not just a competition but a transformative journey of self-discovery. It serves as a beacon, illuminating the diverse career paths available and instilling a profound sense of pride in one's abilities. Through competition, students not only vie for medals, scholarships, and job offers but also forge lifelong connections and invaluable experiences.
Isabelle Gill & Lillian Yap - Pickering H.S.
The DDSB emerged as a powerhouse, with 78 students from both elementary and secondary levels showcasing their talents across 32 competition categories. Their stellar performance resulted in an impressive tally of nine medals, including three gold, four silver, and two bronze finishes.
Among the triumphs, gold-medal victories were clinched in the junior VEX robotics, photography, and job interview categories. Silver was presented in auto services, electrical installation, job skills demonstration, and 2D animation, while bronze honours were bestowed upon the formidable teams in home building and architectural CAD categories.
Jayasheel Patel, Da Kai Li, Anirud Iyengar, Eric Li - Pickering H.S.
Behind every triumph lies the steadfast guidance and unwavering support of mentors like Jillian Broadley, the High Skills Facilitator for Secondary Students, and Richard Bishop, Community Connected Experiential Learning Facilitator for Elementary Students. Their dedication and passion have been instrumental in nurturing the talents of DDSB students, encouraging facilitators, teachers and mentors, and orchestrating skill sets across our schools.
Joelle Campbell - Eastdale CVI
As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of DDSB students at Skills Ontario, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants, mentors, and educators who have contributed to this resounding success. Together, we continue to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and champions.
