Local students capture top honours at regional photography contest

Submitted by Jose Martinez

FERGUS – The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) hosted its annual Ontario Skills Regional photography contest, bringing together talented students from local high schools to compete for top honours on March 30.

The competition tested students’ technical and creative abilities across four areas, with participants submitting a portfolio of their best work.

During the contest, students used digital software to repair a flawed image and took original photographs at their respective schools while embodying the theme “the engine of the school.” 

And in the final component, students faced a mystery object challenge requiring them to creatively incorporate a sliced orange into a photograph.

Finalists

Emily Paul, a Grade 11 student at Centre Wellington District High School (CWDHS), took home the gold medal. 

Paul now advances to represent the UGDSB at the Skills Ontario Provincial competition in Toronto next month.

Lucas Smith, a Grade 11 student at Westside Secondary School, earned the silver medal, and Addy Dickinson, a Grade 12 student at CWDHS, claimed the bronze.

Praise

Professional photographer Chantel Dirksen, who judged the submissions, praised students for their vision and technical execution.

“Emily Paul’s images captured my vote and the highest score. Her digital portfolio was brilliant, bright, and impressive,” Dirksen stated. 

“I loved how every single participant had their own unique take on the sliced orange mystery object. 

“Lucas Smith’s photograph stood out for me as it was fun, unique, and perfectly composed.”