Glen Burnie, Maryland- Christina Ferry, a student at the Center of Applied Technology North High School in Anne Arundel County, was the top finisher in the Graphic Communications Competition at the 45th annual Maryland SkillsUSA State Championship, held March 21, 2009 at Printing Specialist Corporation in Glen Burnie, MD.   The 2009 competition marked the first time that the event was held at an industry site adding a degree of authenticity that was not possible in the past. Printing Specialist Corporation was selected for the competition because they have a Heidelberg QM46-2 printing press; the same printing press that will be used at the national SkillsUSA competition in June. A Baum UltraFold 714XLT folder (the same folder used at the nationals) was supplied by industry partner Standard Graphics for the competition.

The event was sponsored and judged by members of the Printing and Graphics Association MidAtlantic (PGAMA), a non-profit trade association for graphic communications businesses in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and D.C. Building enthusiasm for careers in printing, and creating a skilled workforce for the industry, is one of the key goals of PGAMA.  Paul Foster, Vice President of the Association, says, "In today's tough economy, it's essential that students and their parents know that the field of graphic communications is a major source of well paying jobs, and one of the largest industries in the state and the country. Sponsoring the SkillsUSA competition creates the opportunity for positive interaction between the industry, students, and their parents."

Eleven students took part in the 2009 competition, working against the clock and each other in hands-on projects to prove their expertise in various areas of print production, such as electronic file preparation, press operation, and binding and finishing. The winner is now eligible to compete in the national level competition-the SkillsUSA Championships, to be held June 26-29 in Kansas City, MO.