RESTON, VA, January 29, 2007 -- A team of students in the PrintED accredited graphic communications program at Ringgold High School in Ringgold, GA was awarded a Benny, the highest honor given to a high school in the 2006 Premier Print Awards, for its design of a senior prom invitation. Hunter Sharrock (left) and Amberly Bruce (right) pictured with the PIA/GATF Benny award. The Premier Print Awards, hosted by the Printing Industry of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) is recognized as the graphic communications industry's largest and most prestigious international printing awards competition. In its 57th year, the annual contest recognizes companies and individuals for outstanding achievement in the creation and production of print communications. “Benny winners represent the best work that our industry has to offer,” said Michael Makin, president and CEO of PIA/GATF. “This year, more than 5,500 entries were received from 18 different countries, with Benny awards going only to the top entries in each category.” Greg Sharrock, instructor at Ringgold High School, points out that the students have competed for years in both state and national programs and have won a number of previous awards, including high placements in the SkillsUSA Championships. For this competition, however, students submitted work as a team rather than individually,” Sharrock notes. “We had 10 students involved,” he explains. “It's a good demonstration of how teamwork can pay off.” Sharrock attributes much of his students' success to PrintED, which has resulted in concrete dividends for its graduates. “PrintED gives legitimacy to our program, and provides more credibility to the students who complete the program,” Sharrock says. GAERF Chairman Randolph W. Camp, CEO of Walton Media Services in Monroe, GA says, “The many distinctions being earned by students in PrintED accredited programs nationwide demonstrate the value of the PrintED program. By tying curriculum closely to specific industry standards, PrintED benefits both students and their prospective employers.”