GFESS student bakes sweet and savoury gold at skills competition
June 3, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Autumn Wartman has another accolade to add to her resume as she graduates from Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS) later this month and pursues a career as a pastry chef.
Recently, she took home a gold medal from the Skills Canada national championship in Regina, Sask. in the job demonstration category.
She made three variations of crepes for judges to assess, a savoury one made with ham and cheese, two sweet ones, lemon and sugar, as well as strawberry shortcake.
Asked by Fort Erie Radio about her reaction to winning, she admitted it was a bit “scary” as the winners of bronze and silver medals were called first. But it was “incredible” when she was announced as the top performer in her category.
“The whole Team Ontario section just stood up and started cheering,” she recalled.
It’s been two years of practicing at school and at home, often using her family as taste testers.
“My family has eaten so many crepes,” she joked, adding they were “always happy about it” and that her parents have been major supporters of her culinary journey.
Autumn Wartman and teacher Afshin Keyvani. Credit: Afshin Keyvani
She said the gold medal makes her feel “validated” for all her hard work and dedication.
“And my demo was well done, and I’m proud of that,” she said.
In the fall, Wartman will begin Niagara College’s baking and pastry management program. She hopes to one day open her own bakery.
Wartman is also the manager of the Pomegranate Restaurant, the student-run eatery located inside GFESS.
The last time a student brought home gold was before GFESS opened its doors. But in 2016, when Fort Erie Secondary School was still in operation, Jason Haywood won gold in photography, said teacher Afshin Keyvani.
The staff member behind the culinary program at GFESS, Keyvani said Wartman’s win is “massive” for the school and that he’s “extremely proud” of her, and thankful for the support her parents provide to her.
He said Wartman is focused and “stays with the process.”
In 2024, Wartman won bronze in the same category.
At the Ontario skills competition, GFESS has won gold in job demonstration the last three years, including Wartman last month.
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About The Author
Kris Dubé
Kris is a veteran journalist who has worked in Niagara for close to 20 years. He is also a lifelong resident of Fort Erie, a place he plans to call home and raise his family for many more years.
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