Melbourne High

CTE courses have had a broad range, but how exactly broad has it gotten? From construction classes, cyber security, and culinary, there is a great range of courses to choose from, but what if someone wanted to get creative with their computer programs? Well, fret not, for Ms. Liscum Maddox’s digital design class has been here and welcomed plenty of students. While it may not have seemed obvious at first glance, the world of advertisements, posters, flyers, and menus all require a touch of digital and graphic design. The way the text looked, the Adobe programs used, and the simple way files are formatted have all been things that Ms. Maddox had helped students like Elizabeth Green succeed.

Coming from Central Middle School and Viera High School, Ms. Maddox had taught Melbourne High School students for the past three years. “I wanted to be a teacher for a very long time, not specifically in Digital Design, but once I learned there was a position in that? I loved that opportunity. I really love our programs,” said Ms. Maddox on her position.  Not only had Ms. Maddox helped her students through programs like Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Express, Acrobat Pro, and WordPress, but she also taught unique things. “Sublimation. I introduced sublimation to my students—It’s something out of the box and not something they teach at the other schools… Putting their own artwork on custom tumblers, coasters, and t-shirts,” said Ms. Maddox.

And that unique teaching experience, alongside the programs, have offered students wonderful choices. “Yeah, it’s a fun class, I enjoy it a lot. And, not to be like it’s an easy class but, if you’re interested in what you’re doing, it’s definitely not hard to get through. My favorite project that we’ve done in Digital Design was probably the website on Adobe Express. Less because of the content of the website, we were instructed to do, but more I liked the opportunity to make a website; It’s really cool and versatile,” said Green on her experience.

For Students that sought out an interesting and fun selection of classes to learn here at Melbourne High, Digital Design had been the right pick for many. “It helps with jobs and stuff, but it can also help with fun personal things. You can really design your own invitations to events and stuff. I think it’s really nice, I’ve done that a lot. I’m using it right now to make my graduation announcements,” said Green. And many can attest to the determination and dedication Ms. Maddox provided. “I do enjoy teaching, I love it. You kids, are our future, and, honestly, if I feel like I can make any positive impact on your high school careers, that’s something I take a lot of pride in. You guys aren’t just my students; you guys are my kids. It sounds cheesy, but it’s the truth,” said Ms. Maddox.

Diligently Doing Work for Digital Design: Ms. Liscum Maddox works hard on her computer during her period 3 class. Ms. Maddox had plenty of returning students from Digital Design 1 who entered Digital Design 2 and had begun teaching them programs such as Adobe Express and Adobe Acrobat Pro, alongside various fun projects unrelated to the programs. “Seeing students actually get their certifications is huge. It’s exciting for me—It’s exciting for the students, and it shows them that their hard work really does pay off. I love it.” said Ms. Maddox.

Photo by Tyler Ferreira Alves Hill.