At the 20th anniversary of the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) three students from Springbank Community High School took home top prizes for their projects.
The 2014 event was held in Toronto at The International Centre from June 4 – 7.
Brittany Calibaba and Eddie Christensen-Jaworenko took home gold for 2D character computer animation.
Taryn Fransen took home bronze for photography.
“We work really well as a team. There are some stress points, but we calm each other down. It’s a good dynamic,” said Calibaba in a video that was released by Rocky View Schools about the competition. “If I’m getting worried about time, Eddie stays really calm, and if Eddie is stressing about some small point, I just make sure we keep moving and keep the animation rolling.”
The pair made an 11 second animation centered on a soundbite from the movie Beachwarmers. At last year’s competition the duo took 6th place.
“I was more stressed out last time and I didn’t have enough fun. I didn’t let myself loosen up. Right now, I’m having a lot more fun with it and it’s a lot more rewarding,” said Calibaba.
Fransen, also featured in the video, said it is about focusing your energy and trying not to get your adrenaline rush to high so that you can stay focused.
“I don’t think there is any point to being nervous. You have to do your best and that is all that matters,” she said. “My strategy is to look for the moments. I think that will really make this competition.”
The SCNC is the only national multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices in Canada with more than 500 people competing from all over the country in over 40 skills.
The next national competition will take place May 27 – 30, 2015 in Saskatoon, Sask.
