Phoenix Challenge Foundation Hosts Annual Skills Competition The Phoenix Challenge Foundation recently hosted the 29th annual Phoenix Challenge High School Skills Com- petition at the CPCC Campus in Charlotte, North Carolina, bringing together top high school and career tech center flexographic printing students from across the country to showcase their technical expertise, teamwork, and inno- vation. This year’s competition highlighted the next generation of young professionals aiming for the printing and pack- aging industries, reinforcing the Foundation’s mission of Building Tomorrow’s Workforce.
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After a highly competitive event, several teams earned top honors. First place was awarded to Sadie Laarman and Zoe Steele of Careerline Tech Center; second place was awarded to Austin Johnson and Destiny Zindle of CTC of Lackawanna County; and in third place, Paisley VanKamp- en and Selah Greene of Careerline Tech Center. Participants were evaluated on a range of technical and problem-solving skills essential to modern flexog- raphic printing, including prepress/plate mounting, press operation, math skills, and production efficiency. The com- petition serves as a critical platform for students to gain real-world experience and connect with industry leaders. “The Phoenix Challenge Competition represents the very best of career and technical education,” said Betty- lyn Krafft. “These students are not only demonstrating ex- ceptional skill but also helping to shape the future of our industry.” The Phoenix Challenge Foundation extends its grati- tude to educators, industry partners, sponsors, and volun- teer judges, whose continued support makes this event possible year after year. The Foundation is a non-profit and has been “Build- ing Tomorrow’s Workforce” for nearly 30 years, support- ed completely by industry sponsors and supporters. The year’s High School Event Sponsors included Anderson & Vreeland, Harper Corporation of America, FFTA, Miraclon, JR Cole Industries Inc. - Brooke & Whittle, TLMI, Interna- tional Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF), Graymills, and DuPont. Bettylyn Krafft, right, with the first place winners of the High School Skills Competition, Sadie Laarman and Zoe Steele from Careerline Tech Center.
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