On April 7, 2026, over 1,000 Upper Grand District School Board students arrived at the University of Guelph to compete in the annual Elementary Skills Competition.
This event brings students from grades 4 through 8 from across the UGDSB to compete in a variety of hands-on, skills-based challenges.
Focusing on innovation, problem-solving and creativity, students competed in the following categories, the top three groups for each category are as follows:
LEGO Mechanics (Grades 4–6)
1st place: Spencer Avenue ES: Cohen K., Hannah S., Henry Y., and Avery M. - Coach: Sandra McLarnon
2nd place: Eramosa PS: Avery M., Sienna G., Lainie F., and Scutter W. - Coach: Laurissa Di Lillo
3rd place: Ponsonby PS: Dastan A., Leah M., Sophie Q., and Reid M. - Coach: Michelle Swan
LEGO Mechanics (Grades 7–8)
1st place: Waverley Drive PS: Chris L., Rudra O., Henry B., and Aiden W. - Coach: Scott Caverly
2nd place: Credit Meadows ES: Nathalie W., Sadie C., Emily L., and Arlene S. - Coach: Justin Hamilton and Sheryl Scott
3rd place: Elora PS: Jack M., Blake P., Iian AG., and Jack W. - Coach: Britni Scott and Samantha Fisk
LEGO Robotics (Grades 4–6)
1st place: William C Winegard PS: Reet M., Marwa J., Yesha S., and Guneet S. - Coach: Jessica Upper
2nd place: Drayton Heights PS: Brody D., Travis B., Darren B., and Jacob L. - Coach: Nicole Clemmer
3rd place: Elora PS: Liam, Hayden, Ryder, and Noah – Coach: Adam Gertzbein
LEGO Robotics (Grades 7–8)
1st place: Waverley Drive PS: Elliot F., Matthew H., and Michael Q. - Coach Michelle Steele
2nd place: Spencer Avenue ES: Cielle C., Kaiden A., Sophia W., and Kolby C. - Coach: Sandra McLarnon and Samuel Lopes
3rd place: Drayton Heights PS: Chloe M., Georgia F., Makayla VM., and Gabe B. - Coach: Nicole Clemmer
VEX Robotics (Grades 4–6)
1st place: Glenbrook ES: Gabriel H., Austin M., Lily L., and Kayden W. - Coach: Rob Henry
2nd place: Maryborough PS: Mason L., Miles H., Felicity S., and Jayden D. - Coach: Lori Albrecht
3rd place: Ross R MacKay PS: Gibson H., Straton H., Johnny S., Christian D., and Chase A. - Coach: Mark Robnik
VEX Robotics (Grades 7–8)
1st place: Erin PS: Evie C., Maya H., Rogan S., and Adalyn S. - Coach: Allie Artuso
2nd place: East Garafraxa PS: Rachel M., Nathan L., Colton W., and Andrew K. - Coach: Shane Mead and Dylan Vickery
3rd place: Jean Little PS: Andrew N., Abraham A., Riah SR., and Jade D. - Coach: Anna De Jong
TV/Video Production (Grades 7–8)
1st place: Rickson Ridge PS: Sam D., and Bowen C. - Coach: Mike Kumbhani
2nd place: Grand Valley & District PS: Sasza F., and Leia K. - Coach: Jessica Somerville
3rd place: Arbour Vista PS: Ella D., and Ruby B. - Coach: Lyndsay Koivisto
Construction Challenge (Grades 7–8)
1st place: Westminster Woods PS: Addy R., Alex B., Fiona S., and Krusha R. - Coach: Brad Kelly
2nd place: Sir Isaac Brock PS: Everleigh B., Abby R., Annabelle D., and Bella M. - Coach Paul Nethery
3rd place: Elora PS: Deklan M., Parker L., Denver P., and Neil B. - Coach: Britni Scott
Green Energy (Grades 7–8)
1st place: Waverley Drive PS: Katelyn Q., Paige B., Sage GB., and Danika R. - Coach: Scott Caverly
2nd place: Sir Isaac Brock PS: Charlie G., Henry P., Bronson W., and Jiazhou L.– Coach: Paul Nethery
3rd place: Primrose ES: Alice, Cara, Simran, and Nicole – Coach: Mike Benotto
Health and Safety (Grades 7–8)
1st place: Waverley Drive PS: Emily S., and Asmi M. - Coach: Scott Caverly
2nd place: Sir Isaac Brock PS: Harper L., and Ayat M. - Coach: Paul Nethery
3rd place: Arbour Vista PS: Quinn A., and Isla S. - Coach: Lyndsay Koivisto
Tech Design (Grades 7–8)
1st place: John Galt PS: Sum F., Clara H., Sayge M., and Arlo M. - Coach: Adam Good
2nd place: Oliver B., Finn B., Desmond., and Hudley K. - Coach: Shannen Walker
3rd place: Jace E., Conner D., Lilia P., and Kanav M. - Coach: Brittany Scott
The results from the day show the dedication and commitment that UGDSB students have when it comes to STEM and skilled trades education.
Student groups that placed 1st will be advancing to the provincial Skills competition in May in Toronto, Ontario.
Congratulations to all students who competed in the Elementary Skills Competition and to those who placed in the top three. Thank you to the staff, volunteers, and community partners who helped at the event. Without you, events like this wouldn’t be possible.
