MCHS Students Showcase Skill and Determination at Skills Alberta Provincial Competition

By Shelley Winger

Eleven students from Morinville Community High School (MCHS) proudly represented their school at the Skills Alberta Provincial Competition on May 7 and 8, at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. The annual event draws hundreds of students from across the province to compete in various skilled trades and technology sectors, including cabinetmaking, culinary arts, public speaking, video production, and more.

For MCHS, participation in Skills Alberta has become a longstanding tradition. Since first entering the competition in 1999, the school has consistently demonstrated excellence in skills-based education, with students earning a total of 37 medals to date—thanks in part to this year’s strong showing.

Among the 2025 medalists, Aubrey Létourneau captured gold in the Junior High Culinary Challenge, impressing judges with both creativity and technical skill. Renze Wierenga earned a bronze medal in Cabinetmaking, showcasing precise craftsmanship in one of the competition’s most demanding categories.

Although only two students earned podium finishes, all 11 competitors from MCHS exhibited exceptional professionalism, perseverance, and commitment. Qualifying for the provincial competition alone is a significant accomplishment. This year’s competitors included:

• Tyler Plamondon – Cabinetmaking
• Chase Senko – Culinary Arts
• Shayne Demchuk – Graphic Design
• Lauren Andrews – Job Search
• Hunter Smith – Joinery
• Abrielle Hughes – Junior High Culinary Challenge
• Elizabeth Nelson – Public Speaking
• Brianna Farough & Avery Pelletier – Video Production

These students dedicated countless hours beyond classroom time to prepare, honing their skills, perfecting their projects, and building the confidence necessary to perform at a high level.

Their success is a reflection not only of personal effort but also of the supportive culture at MCHS and the guidance of a dedicated team of coaches:

• Greg Boutestein – Video Production
• Kyle Coxen – Cabinetmaking and Joinery
• Daniel Pietraszewski – Graphic Design
• Michelle Receveur – Job Search and Public Speaking
• Louise Sansano – Hairstyling and Junior High Culinary
• Marc Swerda – Culinary Arts

These educators provided mentorship, encouragement, and technical training, helping students reach their full potential. Their contributions are key to the ongoing success of MCHS students at Skills Alberta.

The competition offers more than medals—it provides valuable real-world experience, builds confidence, and inspires future careers in trades and technology. Whether or not students brought home hardware, each left with a sense of pride, new connections, and lasting memories.

Congratulations go out to the medalists, competitors, and coaches for their outstanding representation of Morinville Community High School and the community. Their dedication and spirit exemplify the best of what youth can achieve through hard work and passion.