CCHS Technology Students Volunteer Skills To Create Raider Basketball Program

Posted november 28, 2011

For more than 14 years now, the Technology Department has offered Hudson Valley Community College classes that use state-of-the-industry software. Students become accomplished in programs such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and others.

This November, some of these students, along with the Photography Club, agreed to volunteer their skills to help design and contribute graphics and photos used in the Boys Basketball/Cheerleading program for the 2011-2012 season.

Over 100 students in Lisa Eichholzer's Computer Graphics classes submitted ideas to a committee. Part of their challenge was working on a tight deadline (1-3 days), using the consistent CMYK "Garnet and Gold" color numbers and some software design/copyright constraints.

"These constraints are not meant to squash their creativity but to enhance their problem solving skills which is one of the cornerstone objectives in every Technology class," Eichholzer said. "They also had to deal with client considerations which help build the 'soft skills' that future employers demand."

The winning program cover design (shown above left) was submitted by Cassidhe Whalen. The "good luck" gram (shown above right) chosen by the committee was designed by Megan Vallee. Text graphics are by Jenna O'Hare, Matt Walsh and Jordan Brown.

Also notable: All photos of the basketball players and cheerleaders were taken by the high school's Photography Club which is also advised by Eichholzer.

"The students worked directly with the coaches and players during the photo shoot," she said. "After they brought the photos back to our labs, they had to adjust the color because the lighting in the gym is not always ideal for photographs. They also had to work on a tight deadline, having only a couple of hours to do this work. That helps give them real-life experience as often professional photographers do not get too many chances for a 're-do.'"

The Technology Department's Computer Graphics software classes and Photography Club do accept work from members of the South Colonie community as long as it fits the curriculum and schedule. If you have an idea, please email Lisa Eichholzer.