Chesapeake, VA (March 28, 2003) – Yupo Corporation America, the largest manufacturer of synthetic paper in the Western Hemisphere, has announced that a poster created on YUPO synthetic paper survived the rugged terrain of Antarctica’s tallest summit, Mount Vinson. A personalized poster on YUPO 78lb text stock withstood the harsh environment on top of the mountain, known as one of the top seven world summits, where temperatures reached 35 degrees below zero, and 80 mile per hour wind gusts caused white out conditions. The poster was unveiled at an elevation of 16,067 feet for a photograph. The poster was designed by Jami Drost, a graphic designer based in Cleveland, Ohio, whose family members made the expedition. Drost personalized the poster, inscribed with the words "Hi Jami from the summit of Mt. Vinson Antarctica, 2002," by using colored pencils and permanent markers. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame’s design program, she chose YUPO synthetic paper because of its unmatched strength and durability, and for its waterproof qualities. "The expedition to Mt.Vinson is a once in a lifetime experience," states Drost. "To fully capture the thrill of reaching the summit, I wanted to create a poster that would withstand the extreme weather conditions without creasing or tearing. YUPO was the only paper that could meet the challenge," she adds. Mt. Vinson is located in the Ellsworth Mountains in Antarctica. Situated 600 miles from the South Pole and 1,200 miles from the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, the peak of Mt. Vinson is the continent’s highest point. "This is one of the most original uses of YUPO paper that we have seen, and it is part of our campaign to inspire graphic artists to ‘Do it on YUPO’," explains Paul Mitcham, Yupo’s National Marketing Manager. He adds that the poster will be entered into Yupo’s first annual "Wally Awards," a new awards program that recognizes superior projects designed on YUPO synthetic papers. For more information on the Wally Awards, visit www.wallyawards.com, or visit www.yupo.com. Further demonstrations and examples of creative uses of YUPO are illustrated in Yupo’s latest swatchbook. Using unprecedented style and imagery the swatchbook showcases the various weights and applications of YUPO, including its 78lb text stock.