2024 Phoenix Challenge High School Skill Competition winners announced

The 2024 Phoenix Challenge High School Skill Competition has announced its winners:

• First place – Noelle Hutchings and Kiersten Cole from Knox High School
• Second place – Clare Hotchkiss and Joise Fynewever from Careerline Tech Center
• Third place – Ravyn Reed and Ella Wilson from CTS of Lackawanna County

In addition, Lualaali Cruz and Breanna Hill won this year's Excellence in Teamwork award, and the 2024 Diann Teague award recognizing educators was presented to Marie Sullivan of Fox Valley High School.

From April 10-12, 34 students making up 17 teams competed in Charlotte, North Carolina.

They were assessed in five areas: operating a flexographic press, prepress, plate making, FTA Level One Certification and Flexo math skills. Industry professionals judge the teams, and winners receive scholarships to further their education.

The Phoenix Challenge Foundation is renowned for its dedication to fostering growth in the flexographic printing industry. Through hands-on experience and exposure to the industry, it supports both high school and college students in their educational and career journeys.

In its 27-year history, the high school skills program has exposed over 6,000 students to the flexo industry. Today, more than 500 are known to work across all aspects of the industry.

This year's sponsors included: Anderson & Vreeland, Harper Corporation, JR Cole Industries, Tesa Tape, TLMI, Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation, International Corrugated Packaging Foundation, Graymills, Maxcess/Rotometrics and Mark Andy. UPM Raflatac donated rolls and materials.

Next, the 2024 Phoenix Challenge College Competition takes place April 25-27.