Local Students to Compete at Skills Canada Provincials

Skills, focus and determination paid off for two local students who earned gold and silver at the regional Skills Canada Alberta competition and will advance to provincials in May.

In late March, Grade 11 students Laura Friesen and Dustin Zacharias— both from Blue Hills Community School (BHCS) in Mackenzie County—competed in the cabinet making event in Fairview.

Friesen earned the gold medal, with Zacharias close behind capturing silver.

The competition challenged students to interpret technical drawings, plan work procedures and safely use hand and power tools to build a precision-crafted curio box featuring detailed joinery and a hinged lid—all within strict time limits.

“I had a blast,” said Friesen. “It was fun to try something new and get a medal. I am extremely excited to go to Edmonton!”

The provincial competition will be hosted at the EXPO Centre in Edmonton on May 6 and 7, bringing together high school and post-secondary students from across Alberta in 43 contest areas.