A Red Deer Catholic high school student has won big at a national competition.
St. Joseph High School Grade 12 student Dane Schmidt won a gold medal in the Welding–Secondary competition at the Skills Canada National Competition held in Regina, Sask.
The Skills Canada National Competition was held on May 29 and 30 and featured the top skilled trades and technology students from across the country.
Dane also came away with the RBC Best in Region Award for having the highest mark among secondary and post-secondary competitors from Alberta and was also awarded the Terry Cooke Legacy of Skilled Excellence Scholarship.
The scholarship is awarded to a high school student who has exemplified exceptional dedication in their trade and obtained the highest mark, as determined by their z-score calculation and Best of Province ranking.
The scholarship represents $5,000 per year to support post-secondary studies in their chosen field, for a maximum of five years.
“I still haven’t honestly taken it all in yet. It feels really good. I want to thank all my coaches for getting me to this spot and giving me the opportunity to compete to my greatest potential,” said Dane Schmidt.
Mike Bownes, fabrication instructor at St. Joseph High School, said Dane’s win at nationals gives students a look at what’s possible in the trades, and highlights Dane’s ability to succeed at everything he puts his mind to.
“Dane has a dedication and the motivation like no other student I’ve worked with. You show him how to do something and he does it until it’s exactly what you want,” said Bownes, remarking that Dane’s silver medal wins at regionals and provincials fuelled him heading into this year.
“I am very proud of Dane and I am just so impressed with where he’s at. He is an exceptional talent.”
Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools thanks its partnership with Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP), especially RDP instructor and Skills coach Lee Yasinski, for his ongoing mentorship of Schmidt.
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