Angela Pontorno, a graphic communications student at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center, received the 2008 Maryland Student Award from the Printing and Graphics Association of MidAtlantic (PGAMA). (Photo courtesy SMCPS)
LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Feb. 8, 2008) - Angela Pontorno received the 2008 Maryland Student Award from the Printing and Graphics Association of MidAtlantic (PGAMA) at the third annual Print Quality Awards Banquet held January 31 at the Kossiakoff Center in Laurel. Pontorno is a graphic communications student at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center in Leonardtown.
The Print Quality Awards is an annual competition for regional printing and graphics firms, celebrating all aspects of printing and graphic communications. High school students from across Maryland were recognized for their achievement in their school printing programs. PGAMA sponsors the student awards program as part of its goal to promote interest in printing as a career choice.
Pontorno was nominated by her instructors at the Forrest Center based on academic performance, technical knowledge, leadership ability, and participation in the graphic communications program.
Pontorno is a second-year student pursuing a career in graphic communications, specifically focused on photography, and is a member of the National Technical Honor Society. In addition to her strong academic work, Pontorno has been a summer camp counselor for children with special needs at the St. Mary's Sunshine Center and is a member of Leonardtown Best Buddies. She is also a varsity softball player.
Pontorno will graduate in May 2008 from Leonardtown High School and plans to attend the College of Southern Maryland (CSM).
The graphic communications program at the Forrest Center introduces students to the graphic arts and printing industries. They study graphic design and digital layout, typography, digital photography, web design and production planning, while working with a variety of equipment and techniques, including offset printing, bindery operations and sign manufacturing.
The graphic communications program was the first program in Maryland to be nationally accredited through the Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation PrintED® program. The PrintED® program is based on industry standards for graphic communications and graduates of the program bring to the workplace an equivalent of six months on-the-job training and may receive up to six college credits at CSM.