Press Release: Upper Grand District School Board, April 7, 2026.
WELLINGTON COUNTY – On Monday, March 30, 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.
The competition tested the students’ technical and creative abilities across four challenges. Prior to the event, participants submitted a portfolio of their best work. During the contest, they were tasked with using digital software to repair a flawed image, and shooting original photographs at their respective schools that embodied the theme, “The Engine of the School.” For the final component, students faced a mystery object challenge requiring them to creatively incorporate a sliced orange into a photograph.
Emily P., a Grade 11 student at Centre Wellington District High School (CWDHS), took home the gold medal. Emily will now advance to represent the UGDSB at the Skills Ontario Provincial competition in Toronto this May. Lucas S., a Grade 11 student at Westside Secondary School, earned the silver medal, while Addy D., a Grade 12 student at CWDHS, claimed the bronze.
Professional photographer Chantel Dirksen, who judged the submissions, praised the students for their vision and technical execution.
“[Emily’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’s] photograph stood out for me as it was fun, unique, and perfectly composed.”
