The Phoenix Challenge Foundation recently hosted the 29th Annual Phoenix Challenge High School Skills Competition at the CPCC Campus in Charlotte, NC, USA. The event brought together top high school and career tech center flexographic printing students from across the country to showcase their technical expertise, teamwork, and innovation.

This year’s competition highlighted the next generation of young professionals aiming for the printing and packaging industries. The competition reinforces the Foundation’s mission of Building Tomorrow’s Workforce.

The teams earning top honors:

• 1st Place: Sadie Laarman & Zoe Steele — Careerline Tech Center
• 2nd Place: Austin Johnson & Destiny Zindle — CTC of Lackawanna County
• 3rd Place: Paisley VanKampen & Selah Greene — Careerline Tech Center

Participants were evaluated on a range of technical and problem-solving skills essential to modern flexographic printing, including prepress/plate mounting, press operation, math skills, and production efficiency. The competition continues to serve 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,” says Bettylyn Krafft. “These students are not only demonstrating exceptional skill but also helping to shape the future of our industry.”

The Phoenix Challenge Foundation extends its gratitude to educators, industry partners, and sponsors, whose continued support makes this event possible year after year.