Students from Niagara College hauled three gold, one silver, and four bronze medals back from the Skills Ontario Provincial Competition in Toronto, May 4-5.
Madeline Rekker of St. Catharines, Victoria Paladino of Niagara Falls, and Lauren Thiessen of St. Catharines each won gold in their respective competitions, Restaurant Service, Hairstyling, and Graphic Design. Gold medalists earn the right to compete at Nationals, May 28-29.
“Our students represented Niagara College exceptionally well at Skills Ontario and we could not be prouder of what they have accomplished,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “Their achievements not only speak to the caliber and strength of our programs but also our people: the faculty whose guidance, mentorship and unwavering commitment help our students reach their full potential.”
Thirty-five students from the Schools of Media, Trades, Technology, Environment and Horticulture, Culinary Arts, and Hospitality and Tourism competed in Toronto.
Niagara College medalists also include silver by Jada Capinding (Hairstyling), and bronze by Isaac Skinner (Computer Aided Manufacturing), Sebastian Garrett (3D Digital Game Art), Keiryn Cox (Landscape Design), and James Lammers and Brady McLaren (Horticulture and Landscape).
Madeline Rekker
Restaurant Service
For Rekker, success came from a carefully crafted mocktail (a pineapple spiced fizz) and superb hospitality that shone through in every pour, garnish, and guest interaction.
The Hospitality – Hotel and Restaurant Operations (Co-op) program student was also challenged to identify wine varietals and deliver five-course table service under the watchful eye of a judge.
With a service station right beside her table, Rekker had to justify every decision, from garnish and condiments to wine pairings, all while providing professional, warm and efficient service.
Although she arrived feeling nervous, Rekker quickly realized the competition was just like the work she does every day at NC’s Benchmark Restaurant.
“The service they needed us to do was exactly like what I do I at Benchmark every day, except this was almost easier because it was only one table,” she joked.
Benchmark Restaurant Instructor Victor Oliveira and wine professor Kristina Inman were key ingredients to her success. They helped prepare Rekker for the competition through blind wine tastings and experimenting with new cocktails during meal service at Benchmark.
Rekker received the news while travelling in Italy. Back at Benchmark Restaurant, her fellow staff members were watching the closing ceremonies live on screen.
“I called Victor and he said the whole kitchen erupted with cheering,” said Rekker. “The texts started rolling in to congratulate me and seeing how excited everyone was made me feel so loved and supported. I’m proud I could represent Niagara College well and bring home some hardware!”
Victoria Paladino
Hairstyling
The wins by Paladino and Capinding mark the second consecutive year NC’s Hairstyling program students have topped the podium, following a 2025 sweep of gold, silver, and bronze.
For Paladino and Capinding, the competition included three timed challenges: a face-framing layered cut with dark brown colour and highlights, an intricate cornrow design paired with a haircut, and a French twist updo.
“It was definitely nerve-racking at times, but in a good way because it pushed me to perform under pressure and helped me grow my skills and confidence,” said Paladino. “Winning gold felt amazing. I worked hard to get there, so being able to stand on the podium and win gold made me proud of myself and all the effort I put in.”
Professor Rachel Labatt, a first-time Skills mentor, calls the experience a “blessing,” and is excited to continue training Paladino for Nationals.
“Our students put in countless hours each week to perfect their craft,” said Labatt. “I’m sure it felt tedious at times, but Victoria and Jada persevered and their talents and confidence shined on competition day. I am so very proud of both of them, not only for the outcome, but for their growth as stylists and young women.”
“She was super supportive and uplifting throughout the competition and definitely gave us the preparedness we needed to place gold and silver!” said Capinding. Inspired by her late aunt, a respected hairstylist from her hometown of Brampton, Capinding will graduate this spring and continue her craft as an Apprentice.
Beyond Nationals, Paladino feels ready to channel her creativity into a career focused on helping others feel confident and happy.
“Niagara College has an amazing program that has helped me feel prepared to start my career once I graduate,” she said.
NC Graphic Design student Lauren Thiessen competed at Skills Ontario and won gold.
Graphic Design
Sweet success came wrapped in gold for Thiessen whose winning design reimagined the branding for a chocolate company. With just seven hours, Thiessen created a package design, flyer and website from a short brief on the product and company.
Thiessen’s gold medal win comes during her third year in NC’s Graphic Design program. Her academic journey began at university before she decided to make the switch.
“I quickly realized that I wanted my career to include my creative work, so I transferred to Niagara College,” said Thiessen. “I thought it was cool that NC’s Graphic Design program featured a lot of printing presses and physical design work, which isn’t something you see at other schools. It gave me the opportunity to have hands-on experience.”
Unable to attend the closing ceremony, she learned of her victory through a text message from her professor and mentor, Jessie Brown, who had encouraged her to compete at Skills in the first place.
“She is an incredible mentor, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her support,” said Thiessen.
The news came as a complete surprise.
“I was so shocked because I really wasn’t expecting it,” she said. “There were so many talented designers there that I never imagined I’d win. But knowing I’m the best in Ontario is such an amazing feeling.”
While at NC, Thiessen gained work experience at a real estate brokerage, with the College’s Marketing and NC Student Administrative Council, and currently as a designer with the Research and Innovation division.
“In the future, my goal is to be a full-time freelance designer, and I’m already building up my client base in my spare time. NC has been incredible in supporting my career goals.”
Front row L-R: Horticulture students James Lammers and Brady McLaren. Back row L to R: Professors Carrie Zimmerman and Jeff Bax. Lammers and McLaren won bronze in the landscape design competition.
Bronze medal wins
Professor and mentor Carrie Zimmerman said first-year Horticulture Technician students Lammers and McLaren impressed judges with their craftsmanship, professionalism, and grit. Despite breaking his clavicle just days before the competition, Lammers still competed (with his arm in a sling), helping the duo earn a bronze medal for their landscape design.
“They were the only team in which the judges offered them a job working for his company,” said Zimmerman. “Unfortunately for the judge, Brady and James already have fantastic co-op’s this summer. We’re so proud of them.”
