» Crocus Plains brings home 5 medals

Five out of eight students from Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School returned from the 2026 Skills Canada national competition with medals.

The students competed against some of the country’s top young skilled trades and technology students at the Enercare Centre in Toronto this past weekend.

The delegation brought home one gold, two silver and two bronze medals from the national event, with other students also posting strong performances.

Grade 11 student Kayla DeCosse struck gold in baking, improving on her sixth-place finish at last year’s national competition.

“Seeing the improvement was really important to me,” DeCosse told the Sun on Tuesday. “I worked harder than I ever have the year before, especially, and it meant if you put in the effort, you can do it.”

Competitors were judged on a variety of skills, including technical execution, presentation and professionalism. DeCosse said her entry featured a Niagara floral-themed cake decorated with handcrafted fondant flowers and rice-paper sails, braided chocolate bread and layered Napoleon pastries.

“I think paying such close attention to my cleanliness really helped,” she said. “I was so clean this year and so calculated with everything. Even though I had struggles, it was easier to overcome them.”

The gold medallist hopes to return next year to defend her title.

In architectural technology and design, Grade 11 student Nia Smith earned a silver medal in her first appearance at nationals.

The competition required contestants to solve design challenges over two days, producing floor plans, renderings and presentation materials under strict time constraints.

“When you put in a lot of hard work, there will be something that you get back in return,” Smith said. “It shows that I did a good job doing something that I enjoy.”

Smith said the experience reinforced the importance of prioritizing tasks when working under pressure.

Grade 11 student Cody Johnson, another first-timer, won silver in the job skill demonstration category.

Johnson said the national stage was nerve-racking but rewarding.

“Getting silver really proved that everything I put in did great, but not quite enough to get that top spot,” he said. “It’s a learning opportunity to go back maybe next year and get that top spot.”

Johnson said one of his biggest takeaways was the importance of presentation skills.

“It’s not necessarily the subject matter of what you’re doing in that demonstration. The presentation is the biggest part of it all,” he said.

Grade 11 student Parker Martin earned bronze in auto body repair during his first national competition.

“I worked pretty hard for it, and I’m happy considering it’s only my first year,” Martin told the Sun. “There was a pretty big age gap between me and everyone else I was competing against, so the fact I got to keep up with everyone was enough for me.”

Martin, who already has an apprenticeship, said his goal for next year’s competition is simple.

“Next year, I’m getting gold.”

Grade 12 student Victor Aderemi-Fawoye secured bronze in public speaking, matching his medal performance from a previous national appearance.

“It means that consistency is a big part of what I’m doing,” he said. “Although I didn’t move up, I didn’t go down, so it shows that there’s value in consistency.”

Beyond the competition itself, Aderemi-Fawoye said he valued the opportunity to connect with employers and industry representatives attending the event.

Another strong showing came from Grade 11 student Landon Klassen, who finished fourth nationally in outdoor power and recreation.

The Skills Canada National Competition is the country’s only national multi-trade and technology event for students and apprentices. Competitors are evaluated against industry standards across sectors such as transportation, construction, manufacturing, engineering, information technology, services and employment.

Thousands of students, industry leaders and government officials attended this year’s event, which also featured hands-on Try-A-Trade and Technology activities, Indigenous skills showcases and initiatives promoting women in the skilled trades.

Skills/Compétences Canada chief executive officer Shaun Thorson said the organization sees the future of Canada’s workforce in action at the event.

“This competition not only highlights excellence in skilled trades and technologies, it inspires young people to pursue meaningful, high-demand careers that will drive our country forward,” Thorson said.

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