Joseph Stringhill Student Spotlight Recipient September 2011 Graduation Date: February 1, 2011 Hometown: Belle Vernon, PA High School: Belle Vernon High School Program: Graphic Design & Web Program I chose the Graphic Design & Web Program Program because I was very interested in dabbling in digital artwork. I've always loved to draw and illustrate. But I wanted to be able to take those talents and combine them with the practical nature of Graphic Design and Web. The learning environment at DEC and the Graphic Design & Web Program is very one-on-one. There's nothing else I can really say. The attention that we receive here is second to none. It has been a HUGE benefit to me. After graduation, I plan to start my graphic design and illustration career. I mean, that's why I'm here, right? The one thing I'd like to say to students considering DEC and the Graphic Design & Web Program is if you have the skill and determination under your belt, you'd be a fool not to consider DEC. Just go for it. You only live once. How did you feel when you received the Student Spotlight Award for your work on the Monessen High School Football Program? I felt proud. We put a lot of work into that Program... every single one of us. It was a definitely challenge, and we rose above it. Stacey Smith Student Spotlight Recipient September 2011 Graduation Date: February 1, 2012 Hometown: Monessen, PA High School: Monessen High School Program: Graphic Design & Web Program How does it feel to be the only student at DEC to have received the Student Spotlight Award two times? It's an honor to be nominated again, let alone to receive it. But I have to say... this time around it was all about being part of the group. I'm just happy that I was part of such a good group! Tell me a little about the actual project itself. What were the requirements? Well... Monessen High School was in a bit of a pinch. They needed their football programs completely reworked in a short amount of time. So... we took on the challenge. What was it like to work with an actual deadline? Challenging... yet rewarding. I mean, these are the kind of things we are going to be doing in our future careers. We've been doing this kind of thing in class throughout the program, but it was just so great to actually be able to work with a real client with a real deadline, and a strict one at that. How 'bout your team? Thoughts? They were absolutely amazing! I learned so much not only from the project, but from them as well. We all feed off of each other. Help each other. There was no single person who stood out from the rest. Leighann Bosler Student Spotlight Recipient September 2011 Graduation Date: February 1, 2011 Hometown: Keyport, NJ High School: Keyport High School Program: Graphic Design & Web Program I chose the Graphic Design & Web Program Program because I could immediately tell that I was going to get a lot of real-world experience. I love that the class sizes are small and that I am able to learn quickly and efficiently. The learning environment at DEC and the Graphic Design & Web Program is inspiring. Because we are such a small group of students, everyone gets the attention they need and can feed off of each other on a creative level. We all get an equal opportunity to learn everything we need to in order to be successful in this competitive field. From my perspective, the Graphic Design & Web Program is unique because The teacher's are actual working designers. That's a big deal! They bring in actual work to the classroom to instruct from. It's great! After graduation, I plan to get into the print design portion of graphic design. I love print layouts and making sure everything is neat and orderly. What was working on a REAL deadline like? Wow... it was something, that's for sure! It was the first time we had to keep with a real deadline. The project had to go to a printer on a specific date and time so there was no wiggle room for error. It was a wonderful opportunity! When we were all done I think we all had a rewarding feeling. I know I sure did!

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Nicholas Carrington Student Spotlight Recipient August 2011 Student Spotlight Recipient July 2011 Graduation Date: September 22, 2011 Hometown: Columbus, OH High School: McArther High School Program: The Factory Digital Filmmaking Program at Douglas

I chose The Factory Digital Filmmaking Program at Douglas because it was always a dream of mine to make films. Situations arose to give me the opportunity to do so, so here I am, and it's been quite a ride!

So you attended Pittsburgh Filmmakers, but still decided to come to The Factory. Why is being enrolled in a longer program so important to you? I was already pretty familiar with the area because of some past film work I did with a friend of mine. We had been making films together for about 10 years. No matter how hard I try to stop thinking about filmmaking, I can't. I always get right back into it. Once I met the instructors I was done. I told myself "Ok. I have to go here!" As soon as I was able to I signed up I did.

The learning environment at DEC and The Factory Digital Filmmaking Program at Douglas is like hell week. It's the film version of the military's hell week. It is intense. Non-stop. There is no time for thoughts of insecurity. No time for play. This is an intense year and a half of nothing but filmmaking. But if this is what you want to do with your life you won't find another filmmaking program out there that is even remotely as good as The Factory.

From my perspective, The Factory Digital Filmmaking Program at Douglas is unique because of the fact that it's sink or swim. You're thrown right into the mix as soon as you get here, and you're expected to learn. That's what's so great about it! You have to learn lights, you have to learn sets. You have to learn every aspect of filmmaking or you won't be as successful as you can be.

It also allows you the opportunity to be creatively unique. The Factory helps you in every way possible to develop your ideas into a fully realized production. Taking it from page to screen. With the amount of help you get at The Factory you can achieve more than you ever dreamed.

After graduation, I plan to make movies. It's as simple as that.

The one thing I'd like to say to students considering DEC and The Factory Digital Filmmaking Program at Douglas is quit thinking about it. Movies don't make themselves. At some point you have to quit being a fan and become a filmmaker.

How do feel about receiving The Student Spotlight Award? I'm really appreciative, but it's not the goal. It's something that happens along the journey to my destination. It's humbling to think all these people have these opinions about me, but to be honest I only have one thing on my mind right now. It's the directing chair. When I get to where I want to be, I'll have those opinions for myself. When I have an Oscar I can sit back and say "Man, I'm pretty awesome." But until that happens, all I can say is thank you.

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Logan Tobia Student Spotlight Recipient July 2011 Graduation Date: February 1, 2012 Hometown: Tucsan, AZ High School: Tucsan Magent High School Program: Tom Savini's Special Make-Up Effects Program

I chose Tom Savini's Special Make-Up Effects Program because it was the longest and most in depth program that I could find. Not to mention you get a degree when you're finished!

Why is being enrolled in a longer program important to you? I just feel like I'm able to get a more hands-on experience and more time to do what I need to do - rather than rushing through everything. You know, I actually knew people who went to other SFX schools and it all just seemed really rushed. Other schools seem to do a lot of demos as opposed to the hands-on practical approach. That's what really sold me on DEC.

The learning environment at DEC and the Tom Savini Special Make-Up Effects Program is pretty much like a shop environment. It is pretty laid back as far as the work goes. Don't get me wrong, you have deadlines, and you're required to meet those deadlines. But, for the most part, you can work at your own pace. I like that. This program is all about how much time you put into it. You get out what you put in.

From my perspective, Tom Savini's Special Make-Up Effects Program is unique because of the degree. All the instructors have worked in the industry. If you combine all of their experience you get a melting pot of ingenuity. They are a great resource for all of us who are just trying to get into the industry. I can literally ask them anything at all about the industry and they will give me an answer. They give you the opportunity to make anything possible.

After graduation, I plan to take things one step at a time. I would like to work for big shop someday. With my personality, I get bored really easily. For some people, working in a dental lab is amazing. They make teeth all the time, and love it! It's not for me, though. A shop has different experiences constantly. Every day is always a change. I like that a lot. It keeps things interesting.

The one thing I'd like to say to students considering DEC and Tom Savini's Special Make-Up Effects Program is this is probably the best program out there for those individuals just starting out. As long as you put in 150%, you'll get that much back.

How do feel about receiving The Student Spotlight Award? It was a great honor. I was a little surprised. I definitely didn't expect it!

You're a hardworker, why do you feel the need put in 150% all the time? You get out what you put in. I feel like people don't do that enough. People just float through life. I can't do that. It's not in me. I want to be amazing at what I do. I can't do that unless I practice and make myself stand out.

Anything else to add? I love the instructors and staff. They want you to succeed. The things you learn here can take you wherever you want. You just have to be open to it.

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Breanna Wachinski Student Spotlight Recipient May 2011 Graduation Date: February 1, 2012 Hometown: Charleroi, PA High School: Charleroi High School Current Employment: Full-time student / Mom Program: Health Information Technology

I chose the Health Information Technology Program because I love learning about all things medical. I don't know what it is?! I just love learning about the inner-workings of the body. It's really interesting!

I also love helping people! I think the only problem I really have is with coming in contact with an actual person. I don't like touching people. What is really great about the Health Information Technology Program at DEC is that I get to help people, I get to learn all things medical, and I don't have to touch people! I don't do well with the clinical side of things. But what I learned at DEC is that that is ok. I don't HAVE to make contact with a person. There are so many other job opportunities in the medical field out there! That was really relieving to me.

The learning environment at DEC and the Health Information Technology Program is a breath of fresh air! The instructors are really there to help you learn and grow as a person. I really can't say enough how much I've grown, even in the short amount of time I've been at DEC. Before DEC, I didn't feel like I was going anywhere. I wasn't getting closer to my goals. As soon as I came to DEC I felt like everything was going to be ok. I just had a baby. I had a lot of things going on in my personal life, but DEC was flexible and exactly what I needed to ensure a better future for my daughter.

From my perspective, the Health Information Technology Program is unique because of how you are prepared for the work force. I don't think a lot of people understand that the instructors don't just teach. They become an integral role in your life and show you all the skills you'll need depending on the career you're interested in. The repetitive nature of the curriculum allows me to easily remember terms or materials that we previously used. Everything is reinforced. That's a big deal!

After graduation, I plan to get into medical coding and billing. I would really enjoy working in the business end of things. My ultimate goal is to work at a hospital some day. I feel like DEC has enhanced my career and my knowledge to the point that that is not some far off dream anymore. It's something tangible, and something I can work up to. I'm so excited!

The one thing I'd like to say to students considering DEC and the Health Information Technology Program is that this is a great program! This is definitely the program for you if you are interested in helping people. Coming to DEC was the best decision I could have made for myself and for my daughter!

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Alexandra Lewis
Student Spotlight Recipient
April 2011

Graduation Date: May 24, 2011

Hometown: Fredericktown, PA

High School: Bethlehem Center High School

Current Employment: Regis Hair Salon, Uniontown Mall

Program: Master Cosmetology Program - Media Make-Up Specialty

I chose the Master Cosmetology Program because it had so much more to offer! Not only am I getting a degree, but I get to take media make-up!

The learning environment at DEC and The Cosmetology Academy is awesome! I love my teachers. I can turn to them any time I need anything.

From my perspective, Master Cosmetology Program - Media Make-Up Specialty is unique because I want to do hair and make-up for movies. The Master Cosmetology Program with a specialty in Media Make-Up is preparing me to do just that! It was a perfect fit!

After graduation, I plan to move to California and pursue my passion. I graduate in just a few short weeks. I feel that The Cosmetology Academy at DEC has prepared me to go after my dream of working with hair and make-up in the movies.

The one thing I'd like to say to students considering DEC and the Master Cosmetology Program - Media Make-Up Specialty is if you are really and truly adamant about your future you need to put anything and everything you've got into this program. It will prepare you like none other, but you have to be passionate.

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Haley Rubosky
Student Spotlight Recipient
April 2011

Graduation Date: September 22, 2011

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

High School: Belle Vernon, PA

Current Employment: Toscano's Hair Salon

Program: Master Cosmetology Program - Media Make-Up Specialty

I chose the Master Cosmetology Program because I wanted a business degree. I didn't just want the typical Cosmetology diploma. I thought if I am going to go to school, I am going to come out with a degree. The Master Cosmetology Program gave me that option.

The learning environment at DEC and The Cosmetology Academy is wonderful! I can't say enough how much I love it here! From the students to the instructors everyone is so great to work with. I can honestly say that there is never a dull moment at The Cosmetology Academy.

From my perspective, Master Cosmetology Program - Media Make-Up Specialty is unique because of its flexibility. I really wanted to attend Tom Savini's Special Make-Up Effects Program, but I just cannot sculpt for the life of me. The Master Cosmetology Program with a specialty in Media Make-Up is the best of both worlds.

After graduation, I plan to stay at Toscano's Hair Salon for two years after I graduate. You need two full years of employment in the state of Pennsylvania before you can move to another state and not have to go back to school. After those two years, I'd love to move away to California, New York, Atlanta, I'd even consider Chicago. I want to do hair for movies or big productions like Broadway.

The one thing I'd like to say to students considering DEC and the Master Cosmetology Program - Media Make-Up Specialty is never give up. It's a lot of work, but if you're truly passionate about high performance make-up and hair you can't go wrong with this program.

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Haley Stringhill
Student Spotlight Recipient
April 2011

Graduation Date: September 22, 2011

Hometown: Belle Vernon, PA

High School: Belle Vernon High School

Current Employment: Toscano's Hair Salon

Program: Master Cosmetology Program - Media Make-Up Specialty

I chose the Master Cosmetology Program because of the make-up. Don't get me wrong, I like hair, but I LOVE make-up. There's something about being able to make people look and feel like better versions of themselves... I love to give people that feeling!

The learning environment at DEC and The Cosmetology Academy is fun! The teachers are like another family to me. The Cosmetology Academy is like my second home. Not only am I getting a great education, but I also get to have fun while doing it. Not a lot of school's are like that.

From my perspective, Master Cosmetology Program - Media Make-Up Specialty is unique because I love doing make-up and experimenting with make-up. The Cosmetology Academy allows you to flex your creativity. I am an artist at heart. I love that I can take my artistic talents and use that to make people feel good about themselves.

After graduation, I plan to travel. It is a dream of mine to work on a Disney cruise ship. I can do all of the make-up for the shows and travel around the world! It's a win-win. Before all this can happen though, I plan on remaining in Pennsylvania for 2 years to ensure that I have enough experience before leaving the state. As I'm gaining this salon experience, I also want to be able to do make-up for weddings on the side for some extra money.

The one thing I'd like to say to students considering DEC and the Master Cosmetology Program - Media Make-Up Specialty is definitely do it! You learn so much and the instructors are so wonderful... The experience you'll get while in school is above anything I ever expected.

Matt Lesser Student Spotlight Recipient April 2011 Graduation Date: May 24, 2011 Hometown: Brooklyn, NY High School: Walnut Hill School For The Arts Current Employment: Puppet Fabrication Full-time student Experience: I have had an interesting array of experience. I dabble in film and design. It's pretty safe to say that I am a storyteller. - New York Film Academy - Diploma - Pitch television show - Stuft - a puppet-based comedy cliffhanger - combining Sesame Street and Lost. - Matt Lesser the Hairdresser - Traveling follicle visionary - Sid and Buddy's Karoke - Karoke host - I've rocked out with several celebrities including George Clooney, Mr. Belding, Horatio Sanz, Jimmy Fallon. Program: Tom Savini's Special Make-Up Effects Program

I chose Tom Savini's Special Make-Up Effects Program because It was the only school that really stood out to me. Using prosthetics and animatronics I am now able to create new creatures in the way that I envision them.

The learning environment at DEC and Tom Savini's Special Make-Up Effects Program is exactly what I needed. The teacher's go the extra mile if you do. They work up to your ability. If you work very fast, they are right there beside you - assisting, encouraging, and instructing. I appreciate every aspect of this program.

From my perspective, Tom Savini's Special Make-Up Effects Program is unique because it's like going to school at Hot Topic. It's basically a school where you get up in the morning and you make fake blood. In the afternoon you're making dragon eyes, and by the end of the day you've molded an alien's head. It's pretty much like going to school at Hogwarts. Yeah... Hogwarts meets Hot Topic.

After graduation, I plan to pitch two television shows. One puppet-based with animatronic details and the other prosthetic-based. I love creature development. It is a whole lot of work, but I love it! I don't ever want to lose the artistic side of me. Hours and hours of sculpting and punching hair, it's like a little piece of heaven. You have to be really patient. But if you follow your love and passion, your network of people opens up and the items that you need follow. It's a very surreal feeling. You just know that's what you're supposed to do with your life.

I think it was Jim Martin, director and puppeteer of Sesame Street, who said, "Follow your dreams." You've heard "the gold lies at the end of the rainbow"? Who knew that one day I'd be making epic shows allowing kids and family members to find their artistic dream and what really matters to them. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

The one thing I'd like to say to students considering DEC and the Savini Program is this is your one opportunity to take full advantage of the products, the supplies, and the knowledge of this field. This is a time when you can create anything you want. After you are done with the program you're going to be creating other peoples visions. Do as much as possible for your portfolio NOW. That's what this is all about. There's nothing in this world that's unachievable.

Stacey Smith Student Spotlight Recipient March 2011 Graduation Date: February 1, 2012 Hometown: Monessen, PA High School: Monessen High School Current Employment: Full-time student / Mom Experience: - Redevelopment Authority of the City of Monessen - Part-time Administrative Assistant - American Cancer Society - Community Income Development Specialist (Event Planner) - Corless & Associates, CPA's - Office Manager Program: Graphic Design & Web Program

I chose the Graphic Design & Web Program because I wanted something more out of life for myself, and my family. I already have an associate's degree in business from WCCC. With that degree, I've moved from job to job as an administrative assistant, but I have to admit that it was never very fulfilling. The one position that I really enjoyed was when I dabbled in event planning and I was able to create various pieces of marketing collateral (i.e. flyers, etc.). When I learned about the Graphic Design & Web Program at DEC I thought not only was design something I had an eye for, but DEC was in the right location for my family and I. It was perfect!

The learning environment at DEC and Graphic Design & Web Program is very hands on.

From my perspective, the Graphic Design & Web Program is unique because it has smaller classes. This allows me to have the one-on-one attention and guidance I need as I work alongside industry professionals - my instructors.

The one thing I'd like to say to students considering DEC and the Graphic Design & Web Program is be ready to be challenged.

What kind of challenges are you or future student faced with? I think in life in general you need to have that inner drive to go further than you ever thought you'd be able to go. I have a family. I want to do what is best for my family. That is my driving force. The challenge for a lot of students out there is finding that inner substance to dive in head first, put your heart and soul into your program of choice and keep at it. You are the only obstacle in the way of your dreams.

After graduation, I plan to always take on freelance projects as they come to me. Beyond just freelance work, however, I wouldn't mind working in a marketing department in the corporate world as well. The Internet is obviously a primary marketing tool in most industries. Serious website development might be my next step.

Richard Nelson Student Spotlight Recipient January 2011 Graduation Date: January 31, 2011 Hometown: Delmont, PA High School: Franklin Regional Senior High School Current Employment: Full-time student Freelance Experience: - The Second Chance - Short Film - Romeo Must Hang - Feature Documentary - Requiem for the Damned - Feature Film - The Game - Short Film - Here There Be Monsters (featured and posted on Fangoria.com) - Web Series - Numerous Television and Internet Advertisements Program: The Factory Digital Film Program at Douglas Education Center

I chose The Factory Digital Film Program at Douglas because it was close to home and I had the opportunity to see the facility and meet the instructors. You know, I did my research on different Digital Film Programs out there, and no one could compete with DEC's one-on-one instructor-student relationship. Now that I've almost completed the program I can honestly say that the amount of experience and work we do in the first month here, other digital film programs don't get to do until well into to their sixth month of schooling - so that's really what sold me about The Factory.

The learning environment at DEC and The Factory is energizing. It is unlike any other program I've ever seen because it's run exactly like a Hollywood studio. Aside from having to take classes, The Factory tries to emulate how it would be like in the real world with all of the regulations and rules that professionals need to adhere by in the industry. I've learned so much here - It was one the best decisions I've ever made.

From my perspective, The Factory Digital Filmmaking Program at Douglas is unique because of its size. Even though the program has grown with an influx of students these past few semesters, there is still that one-on-one personal relationship with instructors. The instructors here do not hesitate to teach you everything they know. Any time we are working on film projects, they'll always provide random bits of information - tricks of the trade. And that's honestly when you learn the most.

After graduation, I plan to stick with the visual effects industry. The Factory has prepared me to go into any facet of the film industry and do just fine. Ultimately I'd love to work in a production house. Of course, I'm going to go where the work is, but I'd prefer to stay in Pennsylvania for at least a year after graduation. *Chuckles* But you know, if I get a phone call about an opening in LA - I'll go to LA without hesitation!

The one thing I'd like to say to students considering DEC and The Factory is that it is a good choice -even if you have to travel. The education you are going to get will make you so well-rounded. It's honestly the best film education you can find on the Eastern seaboard. DEC really strives to keep software and equipment up-to-date. The equipment that we are working with is industry standard. Sure - it's not film, but the knowledge gained here at The Factory can be utilized in both mediums.