Three students from the Upper Grand District School Board achieved top honours during the regional photography contest held on March 30, 2026. The competition, part of the broader Skills Ontario framework, challenged local youth to demonstrate their technical abilities and creative vision through a series of photography-based tasks.
Emily P., a Grade 11 student at Centre Wellington District High School in Fergus, secured the gold medal. Her success earns her a spot to represent the school board at the provincial competition in Toronto this May. Lucas S., a Grade 11 student from Westside Secondary School in Orangeville, earned the silver medal, while Addy D., a Grade 12 student at Centre Wellington District High School, claimed bronze.
The participants were tested across four distinct components, including a portfolio submission, digital image repair, and an original photography task focused on the theme, “The Engine of the School.” Students also completed a mystery object challenge that required them to creatively incorporate a sliced orange into their work.
Local professional photographer Chantel Dirksen, who served as the competition judge, praised the technical skill displayed by the students. She noted that the submissions were impressive and highlighted the unique creative perspectives each student brought to the photography challenges.
This achievement follows a tradition of excellence for students within the board, including Addy D., who also placed third in the 2025 competition. The photography contest is one of many ways the school board promotes skills development, with the board also hosting a separate elementary-level competition on April 7, 2026, at the University of Guelph Mitchell Athletic Centre.
