The Coalition of Becker High School and Legacy Christian Academy Takes the Win in the 2024 PACK Challenge Competition at PACK EXPO International

Herndon, Va.; Nov. 6, 2024 – In an exciting conclusion to the second annual PACK Challenge competition, sponsored by PepsiCo and held at PACK EXPO International (Nov. 3–6, 2024; McCormick Place, Chicago), a coalition of Becker High School and Legacy Christian Academy emerged as champion, taking home the $9,000 top prize for its innovative packaging solution and hailed Overall Best in Show. Awards were presented on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at the PACK Challenge Booth in the West Lobby.

The competition, produced by show organizer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, brings together five high school teams from Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin in an end-to-end packaging competition for a challenging showcase of creativity, innovation, and ingenuity. Each team was provided with the components necessary to design and build a functional denesting and orientating machine in a mock production line. Following the competition, the machines will be shipped back to the schools to be used as learning tools.

The winning machine from the coalition of Becker High School and Legacy Christian Academy stood out for its innovative use of material handling solutions and its ability to meet the demands of today's packaging industry. The team demonstrated outstanding teamwork, problem-solving, and technical skills, impressing the judges and attendees alike.

"We are incredibly proud of the work these students have put into this competition," says Kate Fiorianti, director, workforce development, PMMI. "The PACK Challenge embodies the future of our industry by connecting young talent with the opportunities and technologies that will shape the future of packaging and processing. The passion and creativity on display this year have been truly inspiring."

The PACK Challenge promotes real-world industry engagement and provides students with hands-on packaging technology experience, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry application. Each team worked under the mentorship and collaboration of industry professionals. Having won the 2023 qualifying rounds, they earned their chance to bring their inventions to life in the ultimate competition on the show floor at PACK EXPO International in Chicago, which attracts thousands of industry leaders, educators, and attendees worldwide.

The competition showcases PMMI's dedication to promoting workforce development and inspiring the next generation of engineers, designers, and packaging professionals. Through initiatives like the PACK Challenge, PMMI continues to champion programs that prepare students for careers in this dynamic industry.

Congratulations to all the winners:

Overall Best in Show – Team with the highest combined point total from all areas.

• 1st Place ($9,000) – Coalition of Becker High School and Legacy Christian Academy
• 2nd Place ($4,500) – Elk Grove High School
• 3rd Place ($2,500) – Waterford Union High School

Marketing/Sales Competition – Awarded to the team who best marketed and pitched their machine to the customer.

• Winner ($1,000): Rich Township High School

Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) – Awarded to the team whose machine best performed throughout the competition according to FAT and Operator Training standards.

• Winner ($1,500): Coalition of Becker High School and Legacy Christian Academy

Judge’s Award – Recognized the team that showed exceptional teamwork, school spirit and unique qualities, going above and beyond competitions standards.  

• Winner ($1,500): Rich Township High School

To learn more or get involved with future PACK Challenge competitions, contact Kate Fiorianti, director, workforce development, PMMI at [email protected].

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