Upper Thames Elementary School in Mitchell sent a group of four young students to Toronto for the Skills Ontario Competition, and the team came out at the top of its division.
One student from Grade 4, two from Grade 5, and one from Grade 6 joined forces to compete in the Character Animation category.
“They had to prepare a story board, a trailer, and then create an animation based on a theme that was provided to them,” said Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program Coordinator Jodi Froud. “They were really excited by the end because they were happy with their final product, and they were completely shocked when they heard their name called for the first place team.”
It was the first time Avon Maitland District School Board entered an elementary-aged team into the competition. While challenging their skills in character animation, this event also helped the children learn to work collaboratively in achieving a common goal.
“This team was amazing,” Froud added. “They were completely in sync during the competition and they worked together seamlessly.”
Froud also gave a shout-out to the teachers who empowered these students and offered them the chance to compete at this level.
With files by Rebecca Chouinard
