Pictured above: Gold medallist Carmen-rosa Bilodeau and Mike Steele, instructor of SRT’s Culinary Program.
Two Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District students delivered medal-winning performances at the Skills Canada National Competition in Edmonton earlier this month.
Samuel Robertson Technical student Carmen-rosa Bilodeau won gold in the cooking/cuisine category after preparing a three-course meal and demonstrating a variety of other chef skills.
“I’m so proud of her,” said chef Mike Steele, instructor of SRT’s Culinary Program. Steele said Bilodeau’s natural cooking talent, dedication and perseverance helped her earn top spot on the podium. In the weeks leading up to the nationals, Bilodeau put in extra hours in the kitchen honing her craft so she’d be ready to compete against the best young chefs from across Canada. “She had a goal set,” said Steele.
Westview’s Zach Gallahar.
Zach Gallahar of Westview Secondary earned silver in the automotive technology category.
“Nationals required a very high skill level as both secondary and post-secondary students do similar tasks on same vehicles/components,” said Greg Erho, instructor of the Automotive Service Technician program at WSS. “This competition requires lots of preparation and Zach put in the time. He proved that preparation pays off. This is a tremendous accomplishment.”
Approximately 550 students and apprentices from across Canada participated at this year’s national competition from June 4-5 at the EXPO Centre in Edmonton.