Photo provided to the Times Observer
Marlee Nuttall and Tegan Wightman show off some of the designs crafted by students in the graphics design class at TCCS.
An effort to give Tidioute students some practical business experience has resulted in doing some community good.
The effort originates with Nicole Cope’s graphic design class.
“We started the student store, The DogHouse, three years ago,” Cope, who teaches art at Tidioute Community Charter School, said. “The goal was to design and make all of the student merchandise in house. This was to help keep costs down, while giving the students real life experience in the business process.”
On top of the business experience, graphic design students craft the designs.
And that included this year’s volleyball “pink out” shirt that raised nearly $400 to donate to the Warren Cancer Society.
Photo provided to the Times Observer
Sophia Bereksazi and Katelyn Hart work on the “pink out” shirt for Tidioute Community Charter School’s Oct. 3 volleyball game. Funds generated by their work were donated to the Cancer Society.
Junior Sophia Bereksazi created the front pocket logo along with senior Marlee Nuttle. Cope and senior Katelyn Hart designed the back.
Bereksazi said the design came after researching different ideas.
“It truly is a fun experience and exciting seeing your ideas come to life,” she said. “I also made last year’s spring orders which was really surprising that it got picked because it was my first time making any sort of design.
“This year we raised $394.10 to donate,” Cope said. “We are donating this in honor of our librarian’s sister, Julie Beers.”
The pink out game was held on Oct. 3.
“Along with the pink out shirts we had five other orders designed and pressed,” Cope explained. “Malaina Henderson designed the volleyball warm-ups shirts…. Malaina also designed this year’s soccer shirts and JV basketball fan gear. These were run as a fundraiser as well.
Henderson said joining the graphic design class “was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
“I did a lot of research regarding different designs,” she added. “(T)hey sparked my interest in the different designs I could complete.”
Both students credited the opportunity Cope has given them.
“She always makes sure our designs are perfect and always makes sure to help us fix things that we need help with,” Henderson said. “Her class gives my peers and I many opportunities to share our unique ideas and designs.”
Bereksazi said her teacher is “always critiquing my work and holding me to a high standard which improves my work massively, and I will always be grateful for her and her help.”
Cope said the DogHouse seeks to provide school merch both in the fall and the spring.
“The money we raise from running this store goes back into the school,” she said. “With this account we can purchase things that aren’t normally in the budget. We help to use this money to expand what we can offer, and are hoping to have an online store in the near future.
“I love the work we generate, and also love to see the students’ excitement when the designs come together.”