LEONARDTOWN, Md. (March 30, 2009) - Tiffany Rose, a graphic communications student at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center in Leonardtown, received the 2009 Maryland Student Award from the Printing and Graphics Association of MidAtlantic (PGAMA) at the fourth annual Print Quality Awards Banquet held March 12, at Martin's West in Baltimore. The Print Quality Awards is an annual competition for regional 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.
Rose was nominated by her instructor, Mrs. Kimberly Clements, at the Forrest Center based on academic performance, technical knowledge, leadership ability, and participation in the graphic communications program. Rose is a second-year student pursuing a career in graphic design.
Rose is a member of the National Technical Honor Society, America's highest award for excellence in career and technical education. She is also a member of SkillsUSA, a national nonprofit organization preparing students for careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations. This year, Rose won a gold medal in the Maryland SkillsUSA pin design competition and is now qualified to travel to Kansas City, MO, to represent Maryland. She is also eligible for the prestigious Certificate of Excellence at the Forrest Center. Rose plans to graduate with honors in May 2009 from Chopticon High School and attend Winthrop University in South Carolina in the fall.
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. Graduates of the program bring to the workplace an equivalent of six months on-the-job training and may receive up to nine college credits at the College of Southern Maryland.
For more information on the Forrest Center graphic communications program or any other Forrest Center program, visit http://schools.smcps.org/tech/.