SGIA Supports Print’s Future Workforce at 2019 SkillsUSA Competition
SGIA and industry leaders teamed up to support students participating in the Graphics Imaging–Sublimation and Screen Printing Technology competitions at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.
Last week marked the eighth year the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) and industry leaders teamed up to support students participating in the Graphics Imaging–Sublimation and Screen Printing Technology competitions at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC). SGIA and its members coordinated, judged, and provided $75,000 in prizes and stipends to the secondary and post-secondary student participants.
Of 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 curriculums.
“Equipping our youth for success needs to be our top priority and SkillsUSA is leading the way,” said judge David Gross, President, Condé Systems Inc. “I am honored to be a part of this competition and look forward to motivating these participants to continue on the path of excellence.”
Winners of the 2019 NLSC Graphic Imaging–Sublimation and Screen Printing Technology competition.
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,” said James Ortolani, Account Manager, PolyOne Corporation, 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.”
SGIA congratulates the 2019 NLSC Graphic Imaging–Sublimation and Screen Printing Technology winners and thanks all industry volunteers and donors. For more information or to contribute to next year’s event, contact Johnny Shell, Vice President, Technology & Training, SGIA.
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
Judges — Graphics Imaging–Sublimation
- Henry Coeme, HIX Corporation
- David Gross, Condé Systems Inc.
- Aaron Montgomery, Pic the Gift
- Ray Weiss, SGIA
- Michael Wickman, HIX Corporation
Judges — Screen Printing Technology
- Betty Bassett, Classic Designs Screen Printing
- John Kupka, Saati Americas Corp.
- Matthew Marcotte, T&J Printing Supply
- James Ortolani, PolyOne Corporation
- Tiffany Rader Spitzer, Roeder Industries
- Lon Winters, Print This/GraphicElephants.com
Donors
- Adobe
- Beaver Paper & Graphic Media Inc.
- Condé Systems Inc.
- Easiway Systems Inc.
- Epson America Inc.
- Fruit of the Loom Inc.
- GraphicElephants.com
- Great Dane Graphics
- HIX Corporation
- Newman Roller Frames mfg. by Stretch Devices
- PolyOne Corporation
- Saati Americas Corp.
- The M&R Companies
- Wasatch Computer Technologies
The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with Printing Impressions. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of Printing Impressions.
