Thirteen students from the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO) recently returned from the Skills Ontario Provincial Competition, held at the Toronto Congress Centre from May 4 to 7. The event brought together over 3,200 secondary and post-secondary students from across Ontario, competing in more than 70 skilled trade and technology competitions across over one million square feet of exhibition space.

CDSBEO students earned their place at the provincial competition by first competing in regional qualifying events, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication in their respective trades.

This year marked a significant milestone for CDSBEO, with the largest team in board history attending the event. The team also celebrated first-time participation from several schools, including St. James (Adult Education), Holy Trinity, St. Matthew, and St. Mary Catholic High Schools.

St. John Catholic High School, a consistent participant in CDSBEO’s Skills Ontario trips, once again demonstrated strong representation. Notably, Carter Simpson, a Grade 12 student and registered Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) participant, earned a bronze medal in the Bricklaying/Masonry competition. Simpson recently completed his Level 1 apprenticeship training in Ottawa and has secured full-time employment with Norwood and Company in Perth.

Additional CDSBEO participants included:

• Simon Froggatt (St. John CHS) – Cabinet Making (return competitor)
• Breanne Mayhew and Remi Levac (St. John CHS) – Team Carpentry
• Nathan Janssens (St. Mary CHS) – Automotive Service Technology (first CDSBEO competitor in this category)
• Hunter Rosselle, Devon Faux, Ryan Jewell, and Brayden Grainger (St. Luke CHS) – Team of Four House Building
• Luke Lafave (St. James), Owen Bray and Ryan Cabana (St. Matthew), and Josée Desrosiers (Holy Trinity) – Retail Meat Cutting Exhibition

The success of Team CDSBEO is a reflection not only of student commitment, but also of the dedication of their coaches, mentors, and community partners. Special recognition goes to Claude Doucette, Care Ann Ronan, Josh Bingley, Stephen Rymal, and Steph Sauvé, as well as co‑operative education teachers and employer partners whose guidance and support made this experience possible. CDSBEO continues to take pride in fostering skilled trades pathways through programs like OYAP and Specialist High Skills Majors, empowering students to pursue meaningful careers and achieve success beyond the classroom.