Skilled students heading to nationals

Dustin Murray has always been interested in automobiles.

“My dad used to work on cars,” he said. “[He] got me into it.”

Murray, grade 12, hones his passion for mechanics at Yorkton Regional High School (YRHS), where he gets hands-on experience.

Murray recently took his passion to another level when he won the top prize for Automotive Technology at the Saskatchewan Skills Canada Competition in Regina earlier this month.

“It felt nice to win,” he said.

Murray and fellow YRHS student Paige Shirtliffe, grade 10, scored gold medals in their respective categories at the provincial competition. Their victories qualified them for the 24th Skills Canada National Competition in Edmonton this June.

Shirtliffe, who won gold for Public Speaking, was honoured to receive the award.

“[It was] a good experience,” she said. “[Brought] some pride to my school.”

Shirtliffe, an AP English student, likes public speaking for the challenge it provides.

“I enjoy that you can keep people interested in what you’re saying,” she said. “It’s easy for people to get bored.”

Murray and Shirtliffe were part of a team of 12 YRHS students who competed at Skills Canada. Five of their teammates landed medals, including Isaiah Bergen (bronze in Outdoor Power and Recreation Equipment), Thea Valstar (gold in Hairstyling Braiding), Mya Lauer (gold in Beauty Therapy), Amy Trost (gold in Hairstyling Bridal), and Payton Weinmaster (silver in Electronics).

Chad McDowell, a YRHS teacher who accompanied the team to the competition, was floored by the students’ hard work.

“It was phenomenal,” he said. “We’ve had a long string of fantastic results.

“It’s mind-blowing.”

McDowell said that while many students won gold medals, not all provincial competition categories have national equivalents, which is why Murray and Shirtliffe are the only YRHS team members heading to Edmonton.

“Unfortunately, not all competitions go to nationals,” he said.

Murray and Shirtliffe are excited to visit Edmonton and test their mettle on a national stage.

“Heading to nationals will be cool,” Shirtliffe said. “[It’s an opportunity] to meet new people.”

The national competition will begin on Jun. 4 at the Edmonton Expo Centre.