Grant to develop students’ photo studio
Photo courtesy of
the Presque Isle Regional Career and Technical Center
RECEIVES GRANT — Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded a $25,000 Toolbox for Education grant to the PIRCTC for the development of a portrait studio. In addition to setting up a studio room at the school, the money will purchase state-of-the-art cameras, lighting equipment, backdrops, flooring and props.
Pictured with the check are, from left: Steve Doody of Lowe’s, SkillsUSA student Kolby Knight, Madison Michaud, Presque Isle SkillsUSA chapter president; Shannon Sweeney, SkillsUSA student; Bryan McNamara of Lowe’s, and Amy White, business technology instructor.
By Scott Mitchell Johnson
PRESQUE ISLE — Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded a $25,000 Toolbox for Education grant to the Presque Isle Regional Career and Technical Center for the development of a portrait studio.
According to instructor Amy White, the grant will allow students and staff to produce a studio environment for those in the digital photography program.
“A studio room will be remodeled and equipment will be purchased to make the space a great area for students to learn how to work in a studio space,” she said. “Students currently work with mostly natural light, and this studio will provide a space for students to also be exposed to state-of-the-art cameras, backdrops, and lighting equipment.
“The studio will help educate students on that equipment so that if they’re looking at photography as a career, they’ll be able to leave here with the knowledge to go directly to college or work, whichever they choose to do,” said White. “The studio will be to our program what a science lab is to a science classroom.”
Money will be used to purchase four digital, single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras which will allow students to learn how to adjust lenses and lighting sources.
“In addition we’re going to be buying lighting equipment, backdrops, flooring and props,” said White.
Construction has already begun in the new space.
“Students in our building trades program, as well as our custodial staff, have been working in the room. The area was cleaned, the walls have been painted, and the electrical work was done by an outside source,” said White, who applied for the grant in the fall. “The space that we’re utilizing was the old automotive office and tool storage area.”
Students have begun using the space with the limited and outdated equipment they currently have.
“The lights that we have in there are from the ‘80s, and the only backdrops we currently have are rolls of paper, so the students are able to go in and use the space, but it’s limited,” she said. “The hands-on training has already enhanced the program. I am excited about the possibilities for students from this grant. I have already noticed improvement in their work. The quality of work produced is only going to get better.”
The students are looking forward to trying out the new equipment.
“Art is a dying study in schools today,” said student Kolby Knight. “That is why I am excited to be able to use equipment that can help me improve or even discover my hidden talents or build my future career.”
“In just a short time in class, I have learned more things than I thought I would learn all year, but our new photo studio could help me learn even more,” said student Shannon Sweeney. “This experience will make me more confident going into college because I will have specialized training.”
Marshall Croom, chair of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation, said the local grant represents his company’s commitment to career and technical education.
“By supporting schools like Presque Isle Regional Career and Technical Center,” he said, “we believe we are contributing to a cause that’s important to our customers and employees by helping provide improved learning environments and building stronger communities.”
Schools with a SkillsUSA chapter can apply for the grant. This is White’s eighth year as a SkillsUSA adviser.
“I have witnessed the difference that SkillsUSA can make for a student. It helps build them as an individual. It provides them with confidence, gives them a sense of belonging, and is a great way for a student to showcase what they learn in their career and technical education courses,” she said.
“We are thrilled to be one of the schools receiving this grant,” said White. “We are thankful to Lowe’s and SkillsUSA for making this a possibility for students. This is going to help provide them with the best educational experience possible.”
White anticipates students will offer portrait session dates open to the community as a fundraiser for students attending the national SkillsUSA competition.
