Graphic Design Course Leaves A Print

On Student’s Summers

By Eliza Hallabeck

This is the first summer Newtown High School teacher David Defeo offered the graphic design and printing course through Newtown Continuing Education, and, with an encouraging response from participating students, Mr Defeo is hoping to bring the course back next summer.

“The kids are extremely enthusiastic,” said Mr Defeo on Monday, July 25, as students worked across the high school room on computers and at desks creating individual projects.

The program offers students in fifth through eighth grades the chance to learn computer programs and other tools to create T-shirts and other projects. According to the course description, students also had the opportunity to learn photo manipulation and how to create panoramic movies.

Mr Defeo said the course offers local students a chance to take a summer program that is outside of the normal sports or crafts summer activities offered. It also, he acknowledged, offers students a look at the high school.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Matt Kornhaas, a 14-year-old. “I recommend it for everyone.”

Matt said it was his first time taking a graphic design and print course, but held up at least one T-shirt he had completed during the course by Monday.

“I just needed something to do over the summer,” Matt said, “and this seemed like a good idea.”

NHS rising senior Lauren Bauer returned for the week to help students in Mr Defeo’s course. After taking three years of graphic design courses, Lauren said helping other students was “really fun.”

“I’ve already made five T-shirts,” said 11-year-old Lucy Draper.

Some of the shirts Lucy made for friends, but she also said she made one for her brother and one for herself.

Lucy said the course is fun and, “Mr Defeo is awesome.”

Both Lucy and Lauren agreed the five-hour day went by fast.

“So far it has been really fun,” said Lauren, just hours after starting her position as a helper in the course.