By ABIGAIL SNOW
Moapa Valley Progress
Since digital photography and graphic design classes have been available at Moapa Valley High School, every year graduating students have continued their education at college majoring or minoring in one or both areas. MVHS Graphic Design and Digital Photography Teacher, Maria Chidester, teaches various levels of each class for 9-12 grade students.
“I would encourage, when possible, for students to take their first photography and graphic design courses during their 9th grade year,” said Chidester. “That way, they have the opportunity to work their way through completion in the program of study and are better prepared to continue their education at a technical school, college, begin an entry level job, or do freelance work.”
When the students have completed three courses in the program of study, they are given the opportunity to earn a Career and Technical Education Certificate of Skill by passing two assessments and maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA, said Chidester.
Chidester began teaching digital photography at Moapa Valley High six years ago, and graphic design was added two years later. Both programs have evolved over the last few years as students showed interest in more advanced courses. Classes now offered are: photography I, II, & III, advanced studies photography, graphic design I & II.
The photography program has been very popular among students
“I love these classes,” said freshman Chappelle Kent. “They let me express forms of artwork and creativity in different ways. I love the projects that we are assigned, and how we learn new things.”
Graphic design classes also bring a depth of experience to students in creating different types of graphic styles.
“I feel I have grown a lot in both graphic design I and II,” said senior, Heilish Gordon. “I have learned so much from Ms. Chidester. I used to not be able to use a computer at all! Now I can draw on a program using one! This is definitely something I will be using in the future.”
Chidester added that photography and graphic design is a skill that benefits students academically and in their every-day life. The portfolios they create can help them receive scholarships.
Vada Ortiz graduated in 2014 after completing four years of photography and two years of graphic design at Moapa Valley High. She is currently attending Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA.
“Without taking graphic design and photography at Moapa Valley High School, I don’t think I would have been able to discover my passion for art,” said Ortiz. “These classes also helped me to prepare for college. I’m ahead of many of the students in my classes because they are starting with the basics, where I started with more experience.”
Advanced studies photography student, Nephi Boren, recently had his photos selected for exhibit by the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. This exhibit is on display now in the Big Springs Gallery at the Springs Preserves and will continue through March 2. Nephi plans on attending LDS Business College in Salt Lake City to study entrepreneurship/small business management and photography.
Funding from several areas has benefited Chidester’s classes and allowed them to add extra equipment to enhance student learning after needed supplies are purchased. Some of these additions have been; a 50 mm lens for a camera, a dry mount iron to use with the press to matt photos, lights for the studio, several cameras, and recently a telephoto lens and updated version of the Adobe Suite software.
Chidester said that as a means of building strong portfolios, photography and graphic design students have done freelance work and submitted their art into shows and competitions. Advanced photography students have been sought out to shoot family, child, baby, individual, and senior portraits. Students’ images have been used in various ways such as in the Walker Furniture’s Home for the Holidays and Scenic Nevada campaigns.
Graphic design students have created letterhead and logos for organizations such as the Moapa Valley Community Education Advisory Board and the Moapa Valley Chamber of Commerce. Students have been recognized in competitions including being awarded “Best of Show” in the Computer Using Educators of Nevada multimedia competition.
“I feel like I have grown so much!” said senior Ashlie McCafferty. “I plan on attending college to become a graphic designer. I have already had jobs around town designing posters and logos for people.”
The students have begun planning the annual Moapa Valley High School Student Show to be held on Monday, April 20 from 6:30 to 8:00. Students will display their work for their family and community to enjoy. The photography and graphic design pieces and pieces from other departments will be juried and ribbons will be presented.
“Students are able to develop their creativity, interest, abilities, and strengths,” said Chidester. “Some will discover their passion and complete all the courses in the programs of study. These students will have a strong foundation preparing them to begin their post-secondary education.”
