Algonquin College students win eight medals at Skills Ontario
Algonquin College students have won eight medals at Canada’s largest skilled trade and technology competition – including three Gold medals in Auto Collision Repair, Restaurant Service, and team Horticulture and Landscape.
Thirty Algonquin students travelled to the Toronto Congress Centre this week to take part in the Skills Ontario Competition, where they competed against hundreds of students from across the province.
Award winners were announced Wednesday morning. While Algonquin struck Gold in three categories – one more than in 2017 – they also won Silver in Restaurant Service and Brick Masonry, and Bronze medals in Brick Masonry, Truck and Coach Technician and Auto Painting.
“We take great pride in the expertise and discipline showcased by all our student competitors,” said Algonquin College President Cheryl Jensen. “These performances are a reflection of our learners’ commitment and skill – as well their superb instructors and coaches. Congratulations to our entire Skills Ontario team.”
Two of Algonquin's gold-medal winners – the Horticulture and Landscape team of Thomas Hawley and Blaise Mombourquette, and Nick Denny in Auto Collision Repair – will now go on to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition and, potentially, the WorldSkills Competition.
"Algonquin was well represented on the podium at the Skills Ontario Awards Ceremony,” said Shaun Barr, Chair, Construction Trades and Buildings Systems. “I was honoured to be on the stage to present medals to three of our automotive students. We also had podium finishes by Hospitality, Horticulture, and Masonry. Another great showing by dedicated students and faculty.”
Here is the complete list of students bringing home medals this year:
Gold: Nick Denny (coached by Chris Denny), Auto Collision Repair
Gold: Christina Khenmanisoth (coached by Enrico DeFrancesco), Restaurant Service
Gold: Thomas Hawley and Blaise Mombourquette (coached Steve Neumann), Horticulture and Landscape
Silver: Ahmed Jaffer (coached by Enrico DeFrancesco), Restaurant Service
Silver: Vanessa Di Nardo (coached by Darrin MacDonald), Brick Masonry
Bronze: Jordan Fairman (coached by Jeff Newson), Auto Painting
Bronze: Joe Edwards (coached by Peter Coady and Phil Lunney), Truck and Coach Technician
Bronze: Kurtis Green (coached by Darrin MacDonald), Brick Masonry