Brandon students bring home the hardware
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Students from Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School and Vincent Massey High School in Brandon made their schools and province proud over the weekend.
They won six medals — three gold, one silver and two bronze — at the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition in Regina.
Among the standout performers was Crocus Plains Grade 12 student Kane Gervin, who took home the gold medal in the electronics category and the RBC Best of Region Award for Manitoba.

Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School Grade 12 gold medallist Kane Gervin (middle) in electronics, Grade 12 bronze medallist Brennan Klassen (left) in outdoor power and recreation equipment, and Grade 11 bronze medallist Victor Aderemi-Fawoye stand in front of their school on Monday afternoon. The trio won the medals at the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition in Regina on the weekend. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)
Gervin, attending his first national competition, told the Sun he went in with no expectations of winning.
“I didn’t think I’d come back with a gold,” he said. “It was a surprise, but it felt pretty good.”
He credited his success to the foundational training he received at school, particularly from his electronics teachers Ian Bryant and Lionel Ogg.
“They helped shape my understanding of the subject,” Gervin said.
Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a degree in engineering at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, with the goal of entering the electrical field.
Also striking gold were Vincent Massey Grade 12 students Carter Dupuis and Kevin Lee, who won in the video production category. The duo faced intense pressure, producing two videos under tight deadlines, one within seven hours and the other in just four.
“There was hope we’d medal,” Dupuis said, “but we thought maybe silver or bronze.”
The win came as a pleasant surprise. For Lee, it was his first time at nationals.
“It was stressful, especially after watching videos from competitors in B.C. and Alberta,” he said. “They were on a professional level.”
Both students acknowledged the support of their teacher, Craig Ratz, who had mentored them throughout high school.

Vincent Massey High School Grade 12 student Carter Dupuis wears the gold medal he won for video production at the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition in Regina on the weekend. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)
Dupuis will head to Bible College in Saskatoon this fall, while Lee plans to pursue flight school to become a pilot.
The pair earned their gold medals through hard work and dedication to the trade, Ratz told the Sun.
“They both have shown a great interest in creating content that they can be proud of, and they put in the necessary practice to hone their skills for showcase on the national level,” he said.
Crocus Plains Grade 12 student Miguel Tarubal earned silver in the architectural technology and design category.
Bronze medals also went to Crocus Plains students Brennan Klassen and Victor Aderemi-Fawoye.
Klassen, a Grade 12 student, won bronze in the outdoor power and recreation equipment category. He has been passionate about mechanics from a young age, learning from his father and his automotive teacher and mentor, Ken Bryant.
“I’ve been doing this since I was two or three,” Klassen said with a smile.
While he doesn’t plan to pursue this exact field, the medal is a strong addition to his resumé as he works toward becoming an automotive technician.
Grade 11 student Aderemi-Fawoye brought home bronze in public speaking. Confident competing, he was nonetheless humbled by the talent on the national stage.
“I was surprised by the quality of the other speeches,” he said. “To stand out, you needed something unique.”

Vincent Massey High School Grade 12 student Kevin Lee wears the gold medal he won for video production category at the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition in Regina over the weekend. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)
When his name was announced, Aderemi-Fawoye felt a wave of joy.
“It just showed me that dedication pays off. This medal reminds me of what focus and hard work can achieve.”
He’s already looking ahead to next year’s nationals in Toronto, hoping to return stronger.
The weekend in Regina was more than just a competition — it was a celebration of skill, dedication and potential, Aderemi-Fawoye added.
» aodutola@brandonsun.com
» X: @AbiolaOdutola