NEWS RELEASES
PCF High School Skills Competition Celebrates the
2026 Winners
2026 1st - Gold
2026 2nd - Silver
2026 - 3rd Bronze
April 20, 2026 - The Phoenix Challenge Foundation proudly hosted the 29th annual Phoenix Challenge High School Skills Competition 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 innovation.
This year’s competition highlighted the next generation of young professionals aiming for the printing and packaging industries, reinforcing the Foundation’s mission of Building Tomorrow’s Workforce.
After a highly competitive event, the following teams earned top honors:
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1st Place: Sadie Laarman & Zoe Steele — Careerline Tech Center
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2nd Place: Austin Johnson & Destiny Zindle — CTC of Lackawanna County
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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,” said 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.
The Phoenix Challenge Foundation would like to thank the volunteer judges, educators, and industry experts! The Foundation couldn’t do it without you!
The Foundation is a non-profit and has been “Building Tomorrow’s Workforce” for nearly 30 years. 100% backed 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 - International Corrugated Packaging Foundation
Graymills - DuPont
March 30, 2026 - Career & Technology Center of Lackawanna County has announced a major upgrade to its Graphic Production program with the addition of a Mark Andy 2200 flexographic press, strengthening its commitment to hands-on, industry-aligned training. The new equipment brings advanced printing capabilities directly into the classroom, giving students access to the same technology being used in many of today’s professional print environments.
The Phoenix Challenge Foundation plays a big role in locating and providing flexographic presses. Bettylyn Krafft, chairman of the Foundation, continues to support dozens of educators and schools in establishing, maintaining and elevating these critical workforce development programs across North America. Integrating presses into curriculums is designed to better prepare students for in-demand careers in flexographic printing and countless graphic production fields.
Rebecca Rinella, instructor of the Graphic Production program, expressed her enthusiasm about the upgrade. “This is a gamechanger for our students,” Rinella said. “Having access to this level of equipment allows us to simulate real-world production environments and provide the kind of practical experience employers are looking for. I’m beyond excited to start training tomorrow’s workforce with tools that truly reflect the industry.”
The addition of the press aligns with the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County's broader mission to equip students with career-ready skills through experiential learning. Students will now gain direct experience in press setup, operation, color management, and quality control skills that are critical in modern print production roles.
The Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County (CTCLC) is a consortium of eight school districts in the Northeastern Region of Pennsylvania. The corsortium's leadership emphasized that the investment reflects ongoing efforts to stay on top of industry trends and workforce needs. By continuously updating its technology and training methods, the Graphic Production program ensures graduates are not only knowledgeable but job-ready from day one.
The Phoenix Challenge Foundation is an all-volunteer, 503(b) nonprofit that has directly influenced thousands of students for nearly 30 years, resulting in more than 600 working throughout the graphic arts, design and label & package printing industries. Generous support of these programs will continue to build tomorrow’s workforce.
Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County Receives Mark Andy 2200
Students of the Career & Technology Center of Lackawanna County with instructor, Rebecca Rinella (R)
“This is a gamechanger for our students!
I’m beyond excited to start training tomorrow’s workforce with tools that truly reflect the industry.”
- Rebecca Rinella, instructor
