KDSS student brings home silver from Skills Canada competition in Moncton, New Brunswick

Declan Mowle brought home a shiny, silver medal, after competing in the Skills Canada outdoor power and recreational equipment competition, held June 5-8, in Moncton, New Brunswick.

The Grade 11 student at Kincardine District Secondary School student is the son of Kevin and Joan Mowle of Kincardine. He won gold at the provincial competition May 2 in Waterloo, qualifying him for the nationals.

Declan travelled to Moncton with KDSS shop teacher Bryan Derksen who introduced him to the skills competition last year.  He was a member of the 68-student Team Ontario, the largest group the province has ever sent to the national competition.

Skills Canada draws more than 500 students from across the country to participate in more than 40 skilled trade and technology competitions. After two days of fierce competition, Declan was awarded a silver medal at the closing ceremonies June 8.

Team Ontario left Friday, June 3, and stayed at dorms at the University of Moncton. Besides the competition, held at the Moncton Coliseum, the students travelled to Shediac, Saturday, for a tour out on the ocean to see how lobsters are caught. The team then travelled south to see the famous Hopewell Rocks. And Sunday, many of the team members went to see the tide come in.

Appreciation goes to Jean Stephenson, superintendent of education with the Bluewater District School Board; Blair Hilts, learning services administrator; and KDSS principal Mark Ozorio, who funded this trip for both Declan and Derksen. And to Dave Barrett, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) co-ordinator/facilitator; and Janette Scott, OYAP assistant; for all their support in regards to Declan’s participation in the Skills Ontario program.

For more information about the Skills Canada competition, check the website at: skillscompetencescanada.com/en/programs/skills-canada-national-competition/