by Tom Sasvari
M’CHIGEENG—Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) Mustangs students fared very well at the Rainbow District School Board (RDSB) 16th annual technological skills competition, held March 1.
“They did very well,” said Steve Robinson, one of the MSS technological studies teachers along with Irving Noble and Paul Becks. “We had a bunch of second place finishes and three of our students are going on to the provincials in May.”
“Second place went to William McComb in cabinet making, McKenna Barnes was second in welding and third place went to Corbin Best and Kowan Orford, (also in welding),” said Mr. Robinson. “The provincial competition is being held May 1-3 in Toronto, and competing is Corbin Best, Kowan Orford and William McComb, so far.”
Mr. Robinson said, “we still have one more skills competition in April, in prepared speech, and we will have at least one competitor there. New this year at the provincial level will be a heavy equipment division and we will have Brent Mastelko competing. Brent is currently working with Brandon Addison Mobile Mechanic on a co-op placement this year.”
Other members of the MSS team made up of grade 10-11 students in the RDSB competition included Chase Becks in auto service, Noah Holmes in outdoor powered equipment and Tessa Prior helped with the auto service competition.
Approximately 75 secondary school students took part in testing their skills in 2D and 3D character animation, auto CAD, auto-service technology, cabinet making, carpentry, coding, electrical installations, home and team building, mechanical CAD, photography, prepared speech, small-powered engines, tv/video production and welding.
“Events in the skilled trades give students the opportunity to problem-solve, think creatively, and explore careers,” said Dana Pratt, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program Coordinator with RDSB. “We are reaching minds through innovative and challenging learning experiences and touching hearts by engaging students in activities that fuel their passion and support student success.”
The competition took place at Cambrian College in Sudbury and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Local 2486 in Azilda.
