Reston, VA- The Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF) has announced the winners of the GAERF 2009 National Student Design Competition. From among more than 85 entries, six winners were chosen, three at the secondary level and three at the post-secondary level. Winners at the secondary level were:

• 1st Place: Ryan Lelek from Lake Central High School, St. John, IN (Instructor: Jereme Rainwater);
• 2nd Place: Bethany Lopes from Newport Area Career Center, Newport, RI (Instructor: Jill Arakawa); and,
• 3rd Place: Nathan Shaeff, Royal Oak High School, Royal Oak, MI (Instructor: Frank Przybylo).

At the post-secondary level, the winners were:

• 1st Place: Melissa Andrews, Waukesha County Technical College, Pewaukee, WI (Instructor: Terry Rydberg);
• 2nd Place: Heidi Boucher and Stephanie Shearon, Autry Technology Center, Enid, OK  (Instructor: Cheryl Licklider); and,
• 3rd Place: Jordi Camps and Iris Garcia; Modesto Junior College, Modesto, CA (Instructor: Alan Layne).

The contest themed 'Careers in Graphic Communications…Imagine the Possibilities' challenged students to design and produce a marketing product that could be used to encourage young people to investigate the many exciting career opportunities in the graphic communications/printing industry. Students entered individually or in teams of up to three.

"GAERF is proud to continue its commitment to supporting education initiatives by encouraging creativity and self-expression in students through the art of design and production," said GAERF President Ralph Nappi. "This competition has served to recognize our best and brightest students, as well as the significant commitment of their instructors."

First place winners and their instructors will receive a two-day all-inclusive paid trip to attend PRINT 09 in Chicago, IL.  In addition, they will receive a $2,000 award presented during PRINT 09 Career Awareness Day, September 16, 2009. The second place winners will be awarded $1,500, and the third place winners will receive $1,000.

All student entries will be featured in a special display within PRINT 09's Education Main Street.