AJHS graphic-design class highlights student projects, Adobe certification pathway

The Apache Junction Governing Board heard a Career and Technical Education (CTE) presentation on graphic design at Apache Junction High School on Jan. 28.

Teacher Tina Moffitt described the course as a visual-communication program that teaches typography, color, layout, photo work and industry-standard software (Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator). Moffitt showed examples of student work — album covers, packaging and cereal-box designs, sneaker illustrations, digital mosaics and food-truck concepts — and said advanced students produce portfolios and board games; she also brought printed samples to show the board.

Moffitt said second-year students will be eligible for Adobe Illustrator certification, which she noted is valuable because many designers in industry do not hold formal certification. She described classroom projects that build both creative and technical skills and said students who do not pursue design careers still gain visual and presentation skills useful in many workplaces.

Board members and administrators praised the class and encouraged connections between students and local businesses; one board member suggested using student designers for district projects. Superintendent Dr. Frank Papalardo and board members said the course’s project-based approach engages students who might struggle in other academic areas and can create career or freelance opportunities after graduation.

Ending: Moffitt invited board members and community members to visit her classroom (room 188 in the library) to view student portfolios and projects.