LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Jan. 22, 2009) - In a 3-way tie, Hannah Walker, a first year graphic communications student at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center, won third place in the St. Mary's County Technology Handbook cover contest sponsored by the Patuxent Partnership. Ms. Walker, a 10th grade student at Leonardtown High School, shares this honor with Edward Holton Jr. of ManTech Systems Engineering and Kebbie Soleo of Amelex. First and second place honors went to graphic artists with EMA.
Graphic artists who reside in or are employed in St. Mary's County were invited to compete in the cover design contest for the St. Mary's County Department of Economic and Development's 2009 Technology Handbook. The handbook, to be published this month, includes information about more than 200 technology firms, and plays an important role in the development of the St. Mary's County technology industry cluster. It is used throughout the county as a business development tool.
Cynthia DellaGatta, St. Mary's County economic development coordinator, visited the Forrest Center to present the contest to first and second year graphic art students, providing them with a real-life design experience. She plans to return to the Forrest Center to provide a post-review/critique of the cover designs submitted by the students.
The Forrest Center's PrintEd certified graphic communications program includes graphic design, digital photography, illustration techniques, printing, publishing, packaging, web design, printable electronics, and related areas of print media preparation and production. Beyond acquiring a foundation of knowledge in graphic communication, students develop creativity and skills. The program has a unique, hands-on approach, integrating elements of communication design and application of this knowledge to a wide range of design problems using traditional, digital, and print production methods.