2002 Phoenix Challenge Winner Continues Flexo Studies
A Phoenix Challenge & FTA Flexo in High School Success Story
Charlotte, N.C., August 26, 2005 – Rebecca Long and Heidi Gagnon, the dynamic female flexo team from Asheville High School in Asheville, N.C., took first place in the 2002 International Phoenix Challenge Flexo Competition, receiving remarkably high scores on the written tests, math exam, prepress, plate-making and press operation elements of the competition.
Following graduation, Long implemented the articulation agreement between Asheville High School and Appalachian State University (ASU) in Boone, N.C., which allows credit for courses taken at the high school level, and began her studies at ASU in 2002.
Members of the winning team each received the Phoenix Challenge first place award of a $1,000 scholarship, in addition to the prestigious Harper Flexo Cup for display at their high school.
Commenting on her experience in the FTA Flexo in High School program and the Phoenix Challenge Competition, Long said, “I am so grateful for the learning opportunities afforded me by my graphics classes and the Phoenix Challenge. Already, my life has been enriched by this wonderful industry. I would not have had the opportunity to study graphics in college had it not been for the scholarships that I received from the Phoenix Challenge, PICA, and FFTA. I have been studying graphics for almost eight years now, and loving it every day. In addition, I have been offered the opportunity to teach the Intro to Flexo class while I am in graduate school. It’s an honor to be able to share what I have learned with others.”
Following graduation from ASU in December 2005, Long plans to attend graduate school at ASU, majoring in industrial technology with a concentration in GAIT, and specialty in flexography. After completing her master’s degree, Long plans to start her own flexographic print company in Boone, N.C.
Dr. Robin Williams, administrator of the Appalachian State University program, said, “Rebecca is a role model in the graphic arts labs. She constantly strives for excellence from herself and her peers. She is a team player and a true asset to our program.”
For more information, please contact Bettylyn Krafft at (704) 309-3748 or bkrafft@carolina.rr.com, or Dr. Robin Williams at (828) 262-3110.
For more information on the Phoenix Challenge Foundation and the Flexo Skills Competition, visit: http://www.phoenixchallenge.org
About the Phoenix Challenge Foundation
Founded in 1998, the Phoenix Challenge Foundation is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization of industry professionals dedicated to the recruitment and development of the future workforce for flexography. Each year, flexo high school students and teachers from throughout the U.S. and Canada are invited to the Phoenix Challenge, a two-day skill-based competition with hands-on and written testing in operating a flexo press, prepress, plate-making, and overall flexo knowledge. Winners are eligible for scholarships funded by the Phoenix Challenge Foundation. To date, $16,000 in scholarships has been awarded to encourage students to pursue further education and a career in flexography. For additional information or to make donations, please visit www.phoenixchallenge.org
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The Phoenix Challenge Foundation
6805 Pleasant Grove Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173
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