The Phoenix Challenge Foundation recently celebrated its 15th anniversary during its High School Skills Competition at the Harper National Flexographic Campus of Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC, USA. 

First-place was awarded along with $1,000 scholarships to Sharon Mai and Daniel Langsford from Gordon Graydon Memorial Secondary School, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. The pair won the first place award by earning this year’s highest combined scores in the contest’s five exams: written knowledge, math, prepress proficiency, press operation and platemaking. In addition to the two $1,000 Phoenix Challenge Foundation Scholarships, the winning team took home the Harper Flexo High School of the Year trophy cup, for display at its school.

Other top students excelled in all aspects of the competition. Second place went to Li-Anne Chang and Elina Shafiguluna, also from Gordon Graydon Memorial Secondary School. Third place went to Jada Martin and Vincent Frank of Fairfield Career & Technology Center, Winnsboro, SC, USA.

According to a statement by  The Phoenix Challenge Foundation, the competition was stiff among top performers from all over North America. A total of 17 teams participated, a number which has grown year over year since the program’s inception in 1988. Since then, several students have gone on to continue their education, participate in Phoenix Challenge College Competitions and are now working in the industry. 

“It is extremely satisfying to see how the Phoenix Challenge Foundation has fulfilled its vision of exposing young people to flexography and our industry, then to watch them find successful and fulfilling careers,” says Bettylyn Krafft, chairman of the PCF. “I could not be more proud of our supporters and especially the students!”

The Phoenix Challenge Foundation also took time out to remember Ron Harper at its 15th Anniversary dinner. Harper, who passed away in April, was known for his compassion and support for education in flexography, particularly for the Phoenix Challenge Foundation. More than $1500 in memorial donations have already been received by the Foundation through various supporters.

To learn more about the Foundation contact Bettylyn Krafft, chairperson of the Phoenix Challenge Foundation, at 704-309-3748.