The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association and industry leaders teamed up for the eighth year to support students participating in the Graphics Imaging–Sublimation and Screen Printing Technology competitions at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference June 24-28 in Louisville, Ky.
SGIA and its members coordinated, judged and provided $75,000 in prizes and stipends to the secondary and post-secondary student participants.
The two competitions—out of the NLSC’s 103 evaluating students in distinct, hands-on technical trades—each included eight stations to test skill sets in alignment with standard program curricula.
“Equipping our youth for success needs to be our top priority and SkillsUSA is leading the way,” says judge David Gross, president of Condé Systems. “I am honored to be a part of this competition and look forward to motivating these participants to continue on the path of excellence.”
SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry ensuring America has a skilled workforce. Held for 55 years, the NLSC’s participants represent top career and technical education students, all of whom have won their respective state competitions. The NLSC’s diverse range of trade competitions also includes childhood education, masonry, medical assisting, plumbing and esthetics.
“At the NLSC, you see the kids we’ll have leading this country and, as a father, I think it’s important they have mentors and know someone cares,” says James Ortolani, account manager at PolyOne Corp., a judge who also helped establish the SkillsUSA Screen Printing Technology competition. “Not everyone’s set up to go to a four-year college; some go right into the workplace. What matters is that kids find something that’s ‘theirs,’ that engages them, and they can make a career out of it. That’s why SkillsUSA is really rewarding—it’s among the important things in life making a difference.”
Results — Graphics Imaging–Sublimation
Secondary Students
- First: Colby Henson
Sikeston Career and Technology Center; Sikeston, Mo. - Second: Selena Quevedo
Kearns High School; Kearns, Utah - Third: McKinnon Colburn
Harris County High School; Hamilton, Ga.
Post-Secondary Students
- First: Samatha Killen
Illinois Central College; East Peoria, Ill. - Second: Phuong Vu
Riverside Community College; Riverside, Calif. - Third: Sandra Castaneda
Salt Lake Community College; Salt Lake City
Results — Screen Printing Technology
Secondary Students
- First: Shaunna Ford
Shawsheen High School; Billerica, Mass. - Second: Tate Schwarzwalder
Dixie High School; Saint George, Utah - Third: Dalton Brandenburg
Wausau East High School; Wausau, Wis.
Post-Secondary Students
- First: James Sullivan
Illinois Central College; East Peoria, Ill. - Second: James Mcrae
Augusta Technical College; Augusta, Ga. - Third: Gabriela Peters
Abram Friedman Occupational Center; Los Angeles
The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association is a trade association for the leaders of the 21st century printing industry. SGIA members are bold, driven, creative and riding a wave of technology and innovation. In addition to providing high-quality information and educational resources designed to help move the printing community forward, SGIA produces the leading trade shows PRINTING United (Dallas, Oct. 23 – 25) and Graphics of the Americas (Miami, Feb. 27-29, 2020). For more info, visit Specialty Graphic Imaging Association.
