local Education: 1)SCDSB students strike gold at the 2026 Skills Ontario Competition; 2)Barrie Student’s Artwork Heading to Canadian War Museum

1)SCDSB students strike gold at the 2026 Skills Ontario Competition

Courtesy Barrie360.com and News Release

By Staff, May 13, 2026

Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) students delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 Skills Ontario Competition, bringing home four medals and earning the opportunity to compete on the national stage.

Fifty-two students from 10 SCDSB secondary schools represented the board at the annual provincial competition. Competing against some of Ontario’s most skilled youth, SCDSB students earned two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze across a range of skilled trades and technology disciplines.

2026 Skills Ontario medalists from SCDSB

• Peyton M-P., Banting Memorial High School – Gold, Auto Painting
  Teacher-coach: Scott Fuller

• Sam C., Collingwood Collegiate Institute – Gold, Auto Service Technology
  Teacher-coach: Kevin Dea

• Reyna M., Collingwood Collegiate Institute – Silver, Restaurant Service
  Teacher-coach: Steve Hoang

• Maggie R., Innisdale Secondary School – Bronze, Workplace Safety
  Teacher-coach: Nathan Teremchuk

As gold medalists, Peyton and Sam will represent Team Ontario at the Skills Canada National Competition in Toronto on May 28 and 29.

The Skills Ontario Competition is held annually to promote skilled trades and technology careers to youth across the province. The event brings together thousands of students from Ontario secondary schools who compete in dozens of contest areas, demonstrating their technical skills, problem‑solving abilities, and workplace readiness.

Throughout the competition, students showcase their talents while vying for the title of best in their trade, gaining valuable experience and exposure to career pathways in high‑demand industries.

2)Barrie Student’s Artwork Heading to Canadian War Museum

A Grade 12 student from Maple Ridge Secondary School is gaining national attention for her artistic talent.

Caitlin Hewitt has earned the opportunity to have her artwork displayed at the Canadian War Museum for a full year beginning this fall.

Her Remembrance Day themed painting stood out for its emotional storytelling and symbolism, helping her secure recognition on a national level.

The accomplishment is especially meaningful given the importance of the museum and the subject matter connected to remembrance and military history.

For Caitlin, it’s also another major step toward a future in the arts.