COLUMBIA, S.C. (March 22, 2007) – The Silver Crescent Foundation, in partnership with the South Carolina School-to-Work Consortium, is pleased to announce the finalists in the sixth annual South Carolina Manufacturing Design Competition.

The South Carolina Manufacturing Design Competition gives students in grades 1 – 12 an opportunity to learn more about manufacturing and engineering in South Carolina. Competitors create graphic designs portraying a dynamic, positive image of manufacturing in the state and in local communities. In doing so, young people become aware of the importance of the industry in addition to exploring career opportunities within technology and engineering.

Designs were either free hand or mechanically produced. Elementary school students created placemat designs, middle school students designed a tote bag, and high school students designed a t-shirt. Three winners were chosen in each category. First, second and third place designs in each category will be awarded scholarships of $400, $200 and $100, respectively. In addition, the sponsoring teacher of the first place winner in each category will be awarded $300.

Last week in Charleston, state level judges selected the finalists in their respective categories from twelve consortium areas that participated in the competition. First, second and third placement in each category will be revealed on May 15 at the Salute to Manufacturing awards luncheon at the Carolina First Center (formerly the Palmetto Expo Center) in Greenville.

The finalists (listed here in alphabetical order) are:

• Arielle Berrios, Gray Court (Hickory Tavern Elementary School), placemat design
• Ariel Black, Westminster (Westminster Middle School), tote bag design
• Roman Her, Spartanburg (Fairforest Elementary School), placemat design
• Amanda Rickert, Greenville (Charles Town Center School), placemat design
• Gabe Roper, Duncan (D. R. Hill Middle School), tote bag design
• Katie Scardo, Greenville (J. L. Mann High School), t-shirt design
• Emily Todd, Walhalla (Walhalla High School), t-shirt design
• Mia Janay Ulmer, Orangeburg (William J. Clark Middle School), tote bag design
• Lauren Verez, Duncan (Byrnes High School), t-shirt design

The 2007 awards will be presented May 15 2007, at the twelfth annual Salute to Manufacturing Awards Luncheon at the Carolina First Center in Greenville.

The South Carolina Manufacturing Design Competition and the Salute to Manufacturing Awards Luncheon are initiatives of Silver Crescent Foundation. Silver Crescent Foundation is committed to inspiring, supporting and preparing students for success in the workplace while helping to improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians. The Foundation’s initiatives form a conduit between the successful businesses of today and leaders of tomorrow. These initiatives not only support workforce development, but also recognize companies that demonstrate the ability to positively impact employees, local communities and the state while achieving excellence within their industry. For additional information, please visit www.salutetomanufacturing.com.