Community Service: Inspiring our Youth

Greg LaPorta, Demosphere’s Graphics Director, recently participated in Demosphere’s Community Service Program through the Quander Road School’s College, Career and Wellness Day. Quander Road School is a small public high school in Fairfax County. They offer a learning environment that focuses on accommodating students with emotional, behavioral or social challenges.

College, Career and Wellness Day

This annual event brings in professionals to present educational sessions to students about various careers. The goal is to match students with sessions on professions that interest them. It also helps students explore possibilities within those careers.

This year Greg spoke with students about how his experiences in high school and college prepared him for a career in Graphic Design. He began each session by recounting the various roles he has held during 19 plus years in the field of design. (This includes the last 12 years as Demosphere’s Graphics Director). After each session, the students were divided into groups of 2 or 3 and asked to come up with an idea for a logo based off of several sample clients. Once they had an initial sketch, the students then sat down with Greg while he helped bring their sketch to life using computer design software.

“I had an amazing time visiting the school and talking with the students,” recalled Greg. “They are very engaged and always ask lots of questions. It is very rewarding for me to be able to share my experiences with them in the hopes of encouraging them to pursue a career in the creative arts.”

Greg has participated in this event for the past four years.  In the spring he will return to work one-on-one with several students who showed a desire to learn more about design.