EXPERIENCE — Multimedia students at Steubenville High School’s Pugliese STEM Academy are designing covers for football games. Juniors Che’mier Adams and Sadie Edwards and sophomore Jacob Christian have had their works selectED. From left, front, Adams and Edwards, and in back are teacher Shawn McClurg and Christian. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Multimedia students at Steubenville High School’s Pugliese STEM Academy are showing off their talents by designing the covers for Big Red football programs.

District Public Relations Director Ramaine Turrentine said she generally crafted the covers for the sporting events but decided to let multimedia teacher Shawn McClurg and his class have a hand in the process. Turrentine said it began in August and the class receives doughnuts during a special “reveal day” announcement. She was pleased with the response she has received thus far and said it gives students a chance to share their creativity.

“I plan on using the multimedia students and showcasing their talents for many projects as the year progresses,” she said.

So far, juniors Che’mier Adams and Sadie Edwards and sophomore Jacob Christian have had their work selected and said they enjoy gaining the experience.

“It feels good,” said Adams, who is also a Big Red football player. “We design a program for games and (Edwards and I) did one together and one on our own. I like doing Photoshop and we learn how to make smoke and fire designs so we can apply it to other stuff that we’re doing.”

“You can be really creative and do your own designs,” added Edwards. “It’s a good feeling [to have a cover chosen] and we’re helping our school have more Big Red pride.”

She continued that she always enjoyed photography but realized she enjoyed using the Photoshop program, plus she likes the hands-on learning opportunities afforded to her at the STEM building.

“I like it a lot,” added Christian. “I like how you can design different things and be creative. I own my own photography business, so this helps me a lot.”

Adams and Edwards are interested in a potential career in the field while Christian hopes to continue his current business as a photographer.

The class also is creating trading cards for the elementary schools as a benefit for the Globetrotters student group’s planned trip this spring to Greece. The cards include game day photos of 69 junior varsity and varsity football players which can be traded amongst the students and should be ready soon.

Adams noted that the students not only learn but also make a difference.

“You should try something new,” he said. “When you work hard, you see yourself getting better over time.”

McClurg said the multimedia program integrates interactive media, broadcasting, photography and graphic design and provides students with hands-on training and skill development to prepare for future careers.

“It started as a photography class but we learn a lot about Photoshop, plus I plan on teaching them video editing after winter break,” McClurg said. “I think it’s going well. The students are doing an amazing job with the covers and cards. They really surprise me with how amazing they are.”

Steubenville City Schools provide an array of career-technical education and STEM pathways, including aerospace engineering and aviation, agricultural sciences, biomedical sciences, health informatics, global logistics and supply chain management, innovative sciences, carpentry, information technology, education, computer science, clean energy and computer-aided design and drafting and aims to strengthen the state’s workforce through training, education and support services.