CHARLOTTE, NC–The 2024 Phoenix Challenge High School Skill Competition is on the books. Thirty-four students made up 17 teams for the competition, marking impressive—near record setting–participation.
This year’s High School Skills Competition winners (L-R, 1st-3rd place in photo) are:
- 1st Place – Noelle Hutchings & Kiersten Cole – Knox High School
- 2nd Place – Clare Hotchkiss & Joise Fynewever – Careerline Tech Center
- 3rd Place – Ravyn Reed & Ella Wilson – CTS of Lackawanna County
The 27-year-old high school skills program has exposed more than 6,000 students and career-seekers to the flexo industry. Today, more than 500 are known to work across all aspects of the industry, from prepress, plate making and ink mixing all the way to vice president rolls at leading industry suppliers like Harper Corporation and Comexi.
One of the highest values the Phoenix Challenge Foundation stands upon is teamwork, and also recognize Excellence in Teamwork. This years’ recipients are Lualaali Cruz and Breanna Hill.
Finally, the Phoenix Challenge Foundation also recognizes an educator who’s impact can be felt throughout the flexo program at participating High Schools and Tech/Career Schools. Named after are primary visionary almost 30 years ago, the 2024 Diann Teague award was presented to Marie Sullivan of Fox Valley High School.
Regarding this year’s competition, Foundation Chairman Bettlyyn Krafft said, “I continue to be inspired, impressed and frankly just excited to see the number of participants. It shows that skilled trades are needed and there is growing interest in flexo, label and package printing. This is why I do this, to help and watch these students thrive!”