Every time someone walks into a classroom, what do they see? Posters? Notepads? Mugs? The mastermind behind the designs and logos of it all can be traced back to the printer and the print. A club at Warren Township High School highlights the talent behind creating designs and printing them onto different materials. Print club is a graphic communication and packing engineering based club where students can learn about making designs and learning new skills. This club usually takes place once a week at the O’Plaine campus at room 111 and can be greeted by Mr. Schumann, the sponsor.

When you first walk into room 111 you can be greeted by a small, but a good, amount of students that are already starting on their design, using the ink roll, or working on the project that was currently stated. Typically students get hands-on experience on working with different graphic materials or if new students are starting their first project they can expect to explore the different opportunities that are given at the club, as well as careers that relate to the clubs objectives. As Mr. Schumann states, “I think it is an opportunity to see what other types of careers and processes are out there… use their minds and their hands to make a product and take it home”.

Although starting a new project can be difficult at times, the teachers/sponsors of the activity are always there to help and guide students. They teach students how to use graphic software’s, how to use technological devices, as well as help students decide what project they want to work on next. Before starting any project or before moving around the room Mr. Schumann keeps a constant reminder to students to tie their shoes. In specific to the club’s many different projects, a device that is a great contribution to the print club is their ink roll. With the ability to make tons of designs at a small amount of time gives them the ability to create small flags, shirts, and other designs that can be produced around the school. For example, the industrial flags at WTHS or certain club shirts can be produced by the ink roll. With this club starting around 20 years ago, the technological advancements have greatly improved the production of this club. Originally starting with not having computers led to basic designs. But as the years pass, print club is able to use computers to design designs that can be used to put on numerous objects.  Mr. Schumann had also stated “We now also have a laser engraver which was too expensive for some time. The quality and prices of those have gone down to where we were able to afford one”.

Some students have shown interest in this club stating, “I started in the beginning of the year… starting in September” which showed the interest in this club for a while. Many students can get involved in this club by emailing Mr. Schumann at [email protected] with any questions or a link to the canvas regarding this club. If anyone is interested they will be starting their dog tag project this week and will hopefully see you there!