ALEXANDRIA, VA (September, 2002) – The Printing Industries of America, Inc (PIA) and the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) salute the nation’s winning students of the Skills USA-VICA Annual Championship. Skills USA-VICA is the national organization for students in trade, industrial, technical and health occupations education. The Championship recognizes the achievements of high school and college level students for excellence in their chosen occupations. The graphic arts (or communications) contests consisted of five parts. The contestants were judged on layout and design; film image assembly; plate making; offset duplication; and a written exam to demonstrate the ability to solve common graphic communication issues. Contestants were required to compose final art using a desktop computer and software system. PIA/GATF participates on the SkillsUSA National Technical Committee in graphic communications and sponsors a breakfast of champions for all students and teachers at the national finals. "We are extremely proud of all students that made it to the national finals. Each and every one is a winner! " said Michael Makin, PIA/GATF CEO. "The caliber of talent seen in the contestants at SkillsUSA is a good indication for the future of our industry." The 2002 Skills USA Championship winners were announced at the Awards Gala of the SkillsUSA-VICA National Leadership Conference in Kansas City, Missouri.