Grade 11 baker wins gold at Skills Ontario competition

Janie Giroux, a Grade 11 student from École secondaire catholique Franco-Cité, captured the gold medal in baking at the Skills Ontario competition, held in Toronto, Ont., from May 4-6, 2026. She competed against 28 contestants from across the province. (Supplied/Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord)

A Grade 11 student from École secondaire catholique Franco-Cité has captured the gold medal in baking at the Skills Ontario competition, held in Toronto earlier this month.

From May 4-6, Janie Giroux competed against 28 contestants from across the province to claim the top spot in the discipline.

This year, participants were asked to draw inspiration from the flora of Niagara. Giroux interpreted the theme through three creations: a delicately flavoured sponge cake, a rich and textured chocolate babka bread and Napoleon bars and mille-feuilles infused with Earl Grey tea.

“Through her attention to detail and artistic flair, she successfully translated the shapes, colours, and delicacy of floral elements into desserts that were both elegant and delicious,” the Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord said in a news release, adding Giroux has shown dedication since September in developing her technical skills in pastry making.

Guidance from teacher highlighted

The board said Giroux’s achievement also reflects the support she received at school.

“The Franco-Nord school community also wishes to highlight the essential guidance provided by Mr. Yves Lafrenière, teacher at École secondaire catholique Franco-Cité, whose support and expertise are a reflection of the Franco-Nord staff’s constant commitment throughout every student’s educational journey,” the board said in a news release.

Award of excellence, scholarship

In addition to her gold medal, Giroux received an Award of Excellence along with a scholarship, presented to the student who achieved one of the highest scores among Francophone school boards.

National competition ahead

Thanks to her performance, Giroux will now represent Team Ontario at Skills Canada, taking place on May 28 and 29, in Toronto.

Tina Legault-Ouellet, the board’s director of education, praised the student’s accomplishment.

“This achievement illustrates not only Janie’s talent, but also the quality of the specialized programs offered at all three Franco-Nord French-language Catholic Secondary Schools and the importance of promoting skilled trades among young Francophones,” said Legault-Ouellet.