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DEC INSTRUCTOR AND WORLD-RENOWNED ARTIST, DORIAN CLEAVENGER, HAND-PICKED BY STAR WARS LEGEND, GEORGE LUCAS
George Lucas invited more than 100 of the best working artists, illustrators, designers, and cartoonists from around the world to celebrate their favorite characters, themes, worlds and moments from the epic saga Star Wars. Douglas Education Center (DEC) instructor and world-renowned artist, Dorian Cleavenger, was among those hand-picked by Lucas himself to illuminate this remarkable collection of work entitled, Star Wars Art: Visions.
Two of Cleavenger's paintings were chosen to be included in the book. "It is truly a humbling experience," said Cleavenger. "To be included amongst an enormously talented group of artists such as this is incredible.
The first of his paintings, entitled Darth Simi, is a depiction of a female Zabrak Sith character. Taking his inspiration from Darth Maul, the main antagonist of Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, Cleavenger illustrated Darth Simi as an ancient Zabrak Sith priestess who kept herself alive for thousands of years by sacrificing young Jedi to the dark side of the Force. She wielded a pair of yellow double-bladed lightsabers.
The second painting by Cleavenger is entitled, Padme. An idealist during a time of corruption and war, Padme Amidala was a strong woman determined to fix what wrongs she could in an ailing Republic. "I chose to paint Padme in her natural form; as a leader - both powerful and benevolent."
Although a graduate of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Cleavenger is largely self-taught. Initially after completing school, Cleavenger did artwork as a freelance designer for corporations such as Disney, U.S. Steel, Carnegie Science Center and many others. Though earning a good living, he felt inhibited by the requirements of commercial art through concepts and dictates of the business world. Having a desire to do his own interpretive work, he struck out on his own. This decision alone has catapulted Cleavenger's career to new heights.
In 2008 Cleavenger made a bold decision and turned to teaching. Dorian's Fantasy Art Program at Douglas Education Center addresses the demands of the ever-growing sci-fi, horror, and fantasy art industries. This comprehensive and thorough four-month program makes any artist's portfolio complete and versatile.
To learn more of Cleavenger and to view images of his artwork, please visit his website at www.dorianart.com. |
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DOUGLAS EDUCATION CENTER OPENS MONA RUTH IMBRESCIA WELCOME CENTER
DEC's newest addition - the newly renovated Mona Ruth Imbrescia Welcome Center (formerly First Baptist Church) - officially opened its doors to guests and visitors in downtown Monessen.
A planting dedication ceremony was conducted in special memory of Mona Ruth Imbrescia who passed away on November 6, 2010 at the Monongahela Valley Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Mona Ruth was a devoted member of the former First Baptist Church of Monessen and the matriarch of her family.
World-renowned artist, Dorian Cleavenger, donated a hand-painted portrait of the late Mona Ruth, which was unveiled during the ceremony.
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DOUGLAS EDUCATION CENTER STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF, MAKE STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER
Douglas Education Center (DEC) joined the fight against breast cancer by sponsoring the Seventh Annual Lois Orange Ducoeur Breast Cancer Walk this past weekend. Many walkers participated in either the one-mile or two-mile walk around downtown Charleroi, PA. Numerous volunteers also assisted with registration, collecting donations, cheering on walkers and handing out information about breast cancer.
DEC's medical and cosmetology programs were among several local vendors present at The Walk. In order to offer the best possible contribution to The Walk, DEC's medical coordinator and student volunteers brought with them a multi-purpose medical mannequin to engage and teach the public what breast lumps feel like.
"Everyone always hears how important it is to do monthly self-breast exams but most people don't know what they are looking for. The mannequin gives them the chance to palpate a life-like breast with palpable lumps so that they get the opportunity to feel the thickening that might present itself when one has a lump," noted medical coordinator Tammy Savage.
Student volunteers from the cosmetology programs at DEC also engaged the public at the event with hand massages and informed them on appropriate skin care techniques. Because of upgraded medical technology and the generous support given by millions of Americans, breast cancer is now more treatable than ever before.
The Lois Orange Ducoeur Breast Cancer Walk was held at The Charleroi Market House located in downtown Charleroi, PA. Proceeds from The Walk benefited the Sweeney-Melenyzer Pavilion and Regional Cancer Center of Monongahela Valley Hospital and the PA Breast Cancer Coalition.
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MEDICAL AND BUSINESS STUDENTS AT DOUGLAS EDUCATION CENTER ENCOURAGE HEALTHY LIVING THROUGH STUDENT AND STAFF HEALTH FAIR0
Rhonda Terry's hands worked diligently around President Jeffrey Imbrescia's arm.
Terry, a second semester medical assistant student at Douglas Education Center, carefully examined and placed a blood pressure cuff around Imbrescia's arm.
"Do you have a history of high blood pressure?" Terry asked.
Imbrescia chuckled slightly and admitted he had a bit of a history.
"You can lower the risk of high blood pressure by making healthy lifestyle changes, and if needed, by taking medicine," Terry offered.
Imbrescia was one of approximately 50 people who attended the free DEC Student and Staff Health Fair. "We are very proud to be able to offer such a high-quality learning experience to our students. The Fair is a wonderful chance for our students to showcase their new skills and advancing career training."
The DEC Student and Staff Health Fair, chaired by medical coordinator Tammy Savage and lead business instructor Rene Karnash, is a collaborative effort among the medical and business programs at Douglas Education Center (DEC). The Fair is an attempt to inform, educate and empower the internal community of DEC to adapt healthier lifestyle behaviors as well as show students that in a real-world setting there needs to be a deep level of trust and collaboration between healthcare professionals and those organizations that provide the tools they need to deliver efficient patient care.
For two years these programs have come together to not only promote healthy living, but also to offer an array of testing, medical screenings, and insight to the participating students all FREE of cost.
The Fair was held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at DEC's Medical Technology Building, located at 456 Donner Avenue. The Medical Technology Building is a fully-equipped, simulated physician's office setting designed to accommodate competency-based learning concepts. The complex includes a wide variety of instruments and equipment used in a physician’s office such as surgical instruments and a state-of-the-art instructional demonstration mannequin just to name a few.
The Medical program organized all of the hands-on skills performed on the day of the event. For the entire length of the semester, DEC medical students prepare for the skills they will be performing at The Fair. Medical instructors oversee all procedures performed on the day of The Fair in order for the day to be carried off with the utmost safety for DEC students and participants.
"Our students, both business and medical, gain invaluable experience by participating in the health fair. It gives the students some real-life experience to better prepare them for the workforce," noted Savage.
The Business program planned, coordinated, and executed all of the preparations for the Student and Staff Health Fair. These students made the flyers, result cards, purchased snacks and organized and ran the entry station.
"It is wonderful that DEC promotes collaborative efforts among programs." said Karnash. "We love the health fair! Students and staff look forward to the event each semester."
Douglas Education Center is dedicated to providing educational programs that prepare students for entry-level positions in a competitive, rapidly changing workplace. DEC offers program in special make-up effects, digital film, illustration, graphic design and web, cosmetology, medical and business.
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DOUGLAS EDUCATION CENTER HOSTS BLOOD DRIVE IN COLLABORATION WITH CENTRAL BLOOD BANK
One pint of blood can save or enhance up to three lives - and Douglas Education Center (DEC) is doing its share of donating the precious substance. A continuous stream of donors came in the door at the Van Keulen Complex as workers from the Central Blood Bank (CBB) collected pints of blood during DEC's Blood Drive.
The drive yielded 46 units of blood that will truly help make a difference in the lives of a multitude of patients in over 40 local area hospitals. Each unit of blood collected has the potential to save the lives of up to three people, which means as many as 138 lives may have been saved as a result of the blood collected at DEC's Blood Drive.
Dan Ash, Business Development Representative for Central Blood Bank, was very appreciative of the hard work put in by DEC’s students and staff. In a letter addressed to DEC and the donors, he wrote, "It takes the support and dedication of people such as you to make blood drives successful, and your time and commitment did not go unnoticed or unappreciated."
Medical student volunteers, Vicki Adler and Kelli Fine, were instrumental in the success of DEC's Blood Drive. "As future medical professionals we feel it is important to make a difference and to provide a positive example for others," said Adler.
"DEC's Blood Drive was a great experience for us," noted Fine. "We were able to learn from what the Central Blood Bank workers were doing, and observe some of the situations that they deal with. I was able to apply that knowledge to my class work. It was great!"
Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood, and each year thousands of patients with leukemia and other life-threatening diseases need a bone marrow or umbilical cord blood transplants in order to survive. To help chip away at that need, Douglas Education Center is currently in the process of scheduling another blood drive in late Winter 2011 with the addition of a bone marrow registration.
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Douglas Education Center Recognized as ACICS Honor Roll School at the 2010 ACICS Leadership Conference and Annual Meeting in Las Vegas
DEC representative Patricia DeConcilis, director of education, accepted the award on behalf of DEC at the Awards Luncheon, which was part of the 2010 ACICS Leadership Conference and Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada in June. "I was truly honored to accept this prestigious award on behalf of the faculty and administration of DEC. This is an award that recognizes the efforts, on a daily basis, of all DEC departments. I am proud to be a part of such a committed and dedicated group of educators and administrators."
In its letter congratulating DEC President Jeffrey Imbrescia, the ACICS noted, "During the recent evaluation for a new grant of accreditation, your institution demonstrated exemplary standards and a clear understanding of the ACICS Accreditation Criteria. The Council has recognized this achievement by designating you as an Honor Roll Institution." This distinction comes after ACICS awarded DEC the maximum 8-year grant of re-accreditation.
"This is truly a wonderful achievement and a tribute to the faculty and staff of DEC who work tirelessly everyday to deliver the highest quality of education and services to our students," President Jeffrey Imbrescia said.
The criteria for selecting honor roll institutions is presented in the Summer 2004 issue of the Criterion, an official publication of the ACICS, where it is stated that "it takes more than an understanding of the Accreditation Criteria and evaluation process to be an exceptional institution. It takes dynamic leaders, qualified instructors, motivated students, vision and direction, and of course, appropriate resources."
Founded in 1912, ACICS is one of the most respected and longest established national accrediting organizations in the United States. It is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as a reliable authority on the quality of education provided by colleges, universities and schools it accredits.
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Factory Students Premiere Sneak Preview of THE GAME for Coach Nick Saban and WV Governor Joe Manchin
On Tuesday, May 25th, 2010, two graduates of The Factory Digital Filmmaking Program at Douglas, Mike Berry and Aaron Shelton, had the opportunity to screen THE GAME, a production of their Final Product class, for Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban as well as West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin. The film, written and directed by Factory director Robert Tinnell, was particularly meaningful for Coach Saban, as it honors his late father, Nick, Sr., who was Tinnell's Pop Warner football coach. The elder Saban was known for his tremendous commitment to developing kids not only as players but as human beings.
Under the younger Saban's leadership, Alabama won the NCAA College Football National Championship earlier this year. Coach Saban was in Fairmont, WV with Governor Manchin, for a speaking engagement on the Fairmont State University campus. His former teammate, Kerry Marbury, who co-produced the film with Berry and Shelton, arranged the screening for the coach, who expressed surprise and gratitude for the students efforts on THE GAME. Governor Manchin, who is a lifelong friend of the Saban family, was extremely impressed by the film as well.
"The amount of emotion shown in that room of over 400 was just remarkable. Saban's legacy still lives within all former and present Ida May Black Diamond players, coaches, and parents," said student producer Mike Berry.
Every semester the graduating class of The Factory Digital Filmmaking Program participates in The Final Product - an opportunity for students to work in various roles on a film production directed by an industry professional. |
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Douglas Education Center Receives Maximum Eight-Year Grant
Douglas Education Center (DEC) is proud to announce that it has received eight years of reaccreditation through the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). This is the maximum amount of years that can be awarded through the Council and DEC is now recognized as an "honor roll" institution.
Founded in 1912, ACICS is one of the most respected and longest established national accreditor of academic institutions in the United States. It is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
"The administration and faculty at Douglas worked diligently in preparing for the ACICS visit," said Patricia DeConcilis, Director of Education, at DEC. "But, in reality, the curricula and the educational setting truly reflect the integrity of DEC and all of its programs."
DEC prepared for the visit for over two years, compiling immense amounts of information to be presented over a two-day visit from an ACICS team. Every department was heavily involved in the planning process, which required completing a lengthy self-study about DEC and its processes.
Although the workload was labor-intensive, working towards the visit really brought the entire DEC team together. The level of excitement and anticipation leading up to the visit was extremely high. All of the extra long evenings and meetings upon meetings surely paid off.
"I am very proud of this accomplishment," said Jeffrey D. Imbrescia, President of DEC.
"This was a total team effort led by our Director of Education, Patricia DeConcilis and the Education Department made up of Susan Weaver and Renee McDowell. These ladies, along with the directors of all of the departments, and their staff, helped to demonstrate the quality of this school to ACICS. We know that we have an exciting educational environment here, and it was so gratifying to have such a prestigious entity realize that, and reward us for it. The best comment I heard from ACICS was that our students show a true dedication and passion to DEC. That meant so much to me."
DEC must respond to a mid-term ACICS review in four years, but the accreditation will run till December 31, 2017.
DEC offers programs in medical, business, cosmetology, graphic design, illustration, fantasy art, special make-up effects, and digital filmmaking. The next semester start is February 5, 2010.
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Douglas Education Center Medical Club Donates Goods
The DMEDS organization, which is a club consisting of medical students at DEC, recently purchased socks and gloves and donated them to the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Westmoreland County. That organization was collecting new socks and gloves for those in need this winter.
There were only three individual pairs of socks in the basket prior to the organizations donation.
Medical Program instructor Ellen Pritchard said she is very proud of the students and their willingness to go above and beyond to help others.
This is the second fundraiser the DMEDS have organized this year. Their goal is to help those in the community by fundraising and donating goods or services. DEC would like to congratulate the DMEDS. Keep up the good work!!
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Flu Season Information
Click here for information on how DEC is preparing for the Flu Season.
Visit these links for additional flu information:
www.flu.gov
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm.
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Douglas Education Center Student Wins Competition
Monessen, PA - Douglas Education Center (DEC) is proud to announce that third semester general cosmetology student, Ericka Jones, took 1st place in the Bronner Brothers International Hair Show Student Mannequin Competition.
The show was held May 17-19 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland.
Ericka received a trophy, as well as $200 in NuExpressions products for the Cosmetology Academy at Douglas Education Center.
"I am so pleased and proud of Ericka," said Karen Nelson, Director of Cosmetology. "She has represented herself and the school in a positive and professional manner."
DEC wishes Ericka continues success with her next competition, which will be held later this month.
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Douglas Education Center cosmetology student enters national competition
Douglas Education Center (DEC) Cosmetology student Melissa Richmond is vying to become the next winner of Junior Style Stars. The competition, open to cosmetology students, is for the enhancement of careers in the cosmetology field through providing the platform for the future hairstylist to develop their artistic skills.
Unlike other competitions, Junior Style Stars allows all students, regardless of location, to compete on a completely level playing field, void of all the usual politics.
Each competitor competes on the identical mannequin and receives the same photography. All work must be done at the competitor's beauty school under strict instructor supervision. Judging is done via the Internet. There are safeguards in place to insure total honesty.
Richmond is in her fifth semester in the Master Cosmetology program at DEC, concentrating in the Cosmetology Teacher track. She regularly works with the school's Digital Film Production Program and Special Make-Up Effects Program providing hair and make-up assistance.
Her husband, David, graduated from the Special Make-Up Effects Program and is now continuing his education in the arts, working towards a diploma in Dorian's Fantasy Art Program.
"When the opportunity was presented to me, I took full advantage," said Richmond. "I always like to challenge myself, and I thought this would be a great way to push myself and better my abilities as a hair designer."
The winner will receive $5,000 in cash from Junior Style Stars and will be announced on April 15, 2009. This year there are 216 entries. DEC wishes Melissa the best of luck!
For more information on the competition, please visit http://junior-style-stars.com.
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Greg Nicotero of KNB EFX Group in California, made his way across the country for a weeklong visit to Douglas Education Center (DEC).
DEC, which offers many creative art programs, has one program in particular that is close to Nicotero's heart: Tom Savini's Special Make-Up Effects Program. Not only is Nicotero an effects master, he is also a longtime friend of Savini.
Nicotero spent his time at DEC holding a 2--hour seminar, speaking with students, critiquing portfolios, and offering his insight into the industry. Nicotero plans to return each semester to work with the next batch of students. This unique networking opportunity will help DEC students develop stronger portfolios and better prepare them for the competitive world of special make-up effects
Brian Perkal, a graduate of Tom Savini's Special Make-Up Effects program, and now spending a 5th semester at DEC to further his education was in awe of Nicotero. "Just having the opportunity to speak with him was amazing," said Perkal. "There were students waiting in line to talk to him, and he was taking their cell phone numbers down to make sure he spoke with each and every one of them before he left."
Nicotero began his career under the tutelage of director George Romero and effects master Tom Savini in Pittsburgh and quickly relocated to Hollywood. His skills as a prosthetics coordinator helped him adapt easily to the needs of the film industry. He formed KNB EFX Group in 1988 alongside Howard Berger, and over the last nearly two decades, it has become one of the most prolific make-up effects studios in Hollywood.
KNB EFX Group has over 700 movies to their name, including The Island, Amityville Horror, Kill Bill, the Spy Kids Trilogy, Land of the Dead, Spawn, Army of Darkness, Pulp Fiction, Ray, The Green Mile, Indiana Jones 4, The Mist, Transformers, and the Robert Rodriguez / Quentin Tarantino collaboration Grindhouse.
KNB received the 2001 Emmy Award for Best Visual Effects for the mini-series Dune, as well as multiple nominations and awards from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror films in recent years. Their contributions to The Cell and The Time Machine earned Academy Award Nominations for Best Make-up, while the fantasy characters for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe won them both the British Academy Award and Oscar for Best Achievement in Make-up in 2006.
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Cosmetology Academy students win at the 2007 Total Look Team Competition
Congratulations to The Cosmetology Academy for their success at the 2007 Total Look Team Competition sponsored by the PA Barber and Cosmetology Association.
It was held October 20 and 21 in Williamsport, Pa. The theme was
"A Semi-Formal High School Prom" and our students placed first in the following categories:
Kelsey Galbraith: hair design and men's cutting
Adrienne Hapchuk: make-up
Amanda Stephen: nail design
Model was Megan Pogyor
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Douglas Education Center Student To Compete In Miss Pennsylvania USA Pageant
Monessen, PA-- Douglas Education Center student, Constance Sibert, has recently been selected to compete in the Miss Pennsylvania USA Pageant.
Sibert, a Claysville, PA resident and graduate of McGuffey High School, is a 20-year-old cosmetology student, specializing in skin care. After her sister gave her a packet she received about the pageant, Sibert sent in her picture and was ultimately selected as a contestant after judges reviewed her paperwork and conducted some phone interviews.
"I am really looking forward to competing in this pageant. I have never done anything like this before, and I know the experience will be amazing," Sibert said.
This year, Pittsburgh plays host city to the pageant, which is being held November 16-18, 2007 in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Pittsburgh International Airport Hotel. The pageant will consist of an interview, swimsuit, and evening gown competition.
"Constance has always been a very good student, as well as a professional young woman. I am very proud of her and wish her all the best on this exciting journey," said Karen Nelson, Director of Cosmetology at Douglas Education Center.
Sibert will graduate in May from Douglas and her future plans are to work in a salon and hopefully one day, open her own.
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From Left to Right: Andrew Solan - GRC Executive Board, Kevin Fear - Director of Marketing,
Jeffrey D. Imbrescia - President, Josh Retos - Property Manager, Tom Mimidis - GRC Vice President
Douglas chosen as the Business of the Month at the GRC!
Douglas Education Center has been selected as the August Business of the Month by the Greater Rostraver Chamber of Commerce (GRC). Douglas has been an integral part of the Mon Valley since it first opened in 1904 as a basic business and secretarial school. While it continues to offer business and medical programs, the last decade has brought dramatic change to the curriculum and that has resulted in explosive growth. In addition to the state-of-the-art Cosmetology Academy, Douglas also offers degree programs in Graphic and Web Design, Illustration and Airbrush, and the groundbreaking Tom Savini Special Makeup Effects Program. The Savini program has enrolled students from over 46 states and the first international student enrolled last summer.
The expansion continues in spring 2008 with the addition of Tom Savini's Digital Film Production Program. This program will train students in the direction, production, and technical aspects of film making. It has been designed to work in conjunction with existing arts programs giving students hands-on experience with props, set design, wardrobe, and makeup.
Visit the Greater Rostraver Chamber of Commerce website here:
www.greaterrostraverchamber.org
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Graphic Design student wins award!
Image Time Inc., Located in Perryopolis, recently sponsored an art contest with the aim of adding a design to its custom collection.
Mark Condello of South Park, a second-semester student at Douglas Education Center, won the competition. Mark who works part-time as a graphic designer at his dad's business decided to attend Douglas' Graphic Design and Web Program to enhance his skills and experience.
Founded 18 years ago, Image Time Inc., manufactures custom - made neon clocks. It has supplied, supported and developed complete licensed programs for such companies as Miller Brewing Co., General Motors and Harley Davidson.
We wanted to add to our custom collection a hotrod neon clock, designed by local art students," Bob McKeown, Image Time president, said.
McKeown presented a 20 inch neon clock with Condello's original hotrod design, along with a certificate of achievement, to Condello.
Clocks manufactured by Image Time are offered for employee recognition, sale incentive programs and in-house and point-of purchase sales presence. the company's craftsmen hand make each clock.
The new clock with Condello's design will be added to Image Time's full line of custom made neon clocks that can be viewed online at www.neonclock.com
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Regional Chamber honors firms, leaders for success
Two longtime businesses, a major health and human services agency, and two men committed to community service were recognized at the annual Awards Dinner of the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce held October 26th, 2006.
More than 100 persons attended the event in the Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center at Monongahela Valley Hospital to help honor to the following:
Douglas opened in 1904 at 506 McKean Avenue in Charleroi, a site now occupied by Ducoeur Furniture, and has been located in Monessen for many years. Imbrescia recognized Andrew Solan of Rostraver Township, a former owner of Douglas Business School who was in attendance, for his "efforts in helping the business grow." He also pointed out that Douglas now offers medical, technology, special effects, graphics and cosmetology at its sites in Monessen. "We are blessed with a highly skilled and qualified staff and administration," he said. "They are committed to making sure our students graduate and that the employers who hire our graduates are satisfied."
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