One way to understand 21^st Century learning is to examine its product;                          learning is no isolated                             acquisition of facts                                     but, among other                                          things, a synthesis of                               knowledge, skills,                                     critical thinking,                                         creativity, and                                     presentation.

Each of those aspects of 21^st Century learning is manifested in the creations of Jennifer Bayless's Putnam Career & Technical Center graphic design students, and several students have been recognized this year for the fruits of their labors.

Bayless, herself a graduate of PCTC's graphic design program, is obviously pleased with the success of her students, who, "...got their opportunity to shine this year."

Leslie Cook, of Hurricane High School, exhibited her skills when she won the Greater Kanawha Valley Cleanup "Make It Shine" tee-shirt competition and saw her design reproduced on tee-shirts for the campaign.

Nick Mead of Winfield High School won a $500 scholarship for his logo design for Rock Branch Mechanical, Inc., prize money that enabled him to purchase a new digital camera to continue his work.

Recent graduate Caleb Pitchford was chosen to design a new logo for Winfield Elementary School, creating a whimsical design for the Little Generals.

Adult student Cinday Derreberry distinguished herself, as well. In the summer of 2008, Derreberry won the post-secondary Gold Medal in State Pin Design at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. She designed a trading pin that represented West Virginia and was the only West Virginian to win a gold medal in national competition.

In addition to her gold medal, Derreberry won the annual Toyota Holiday Card design competition and design the Putnam County Schools ad for the 2009 Chamber of Commerce directory.

These students' may be seen around the state and county, representing their own skills and the culmination of 21^st Century learning throughout the schools.