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Every time you pass Williamsport High School, you will now see a 300-foot fence covered with artwork created by one of WASD’s own, a vibrant and lasting example of student talent brought to life beyond the classroom.

Julianna Lynch, a senior in the Commercial Art Career Technology Education (CTE) program, was posed the task to create a design that would showcase Williamsport pride across the hilltop fence. What began as a classroom assignment quickly grew into a large scale and highly visible installation, reflecting the kind of work students may encounter in professional design careers.

Lynch shared that the process was interesting to undergo, simulating what a real-world job experience would look like. “We were given this project and I had to think about different things. I went through a process in my head of color choices, focal point, design element, and what the project would look like from a distance.” said Lynch. “As I was working on it, I had to keep in mind any mistake made is expanded on a large scale. So, I had to go through and make sure the image was blown up from every angle and imagine it from far away.”

Through projects like this, Williamsport Area School District’s (WASD) CTE programs give students opportunities to take part in meaningful, hands-on experiences that go beyond traditional classroom assignments. Students are challenged to think critically, solve problems, and apply technical skills in ways that directly connect to real world expectations. These experiences help prepare them for future careers and creative paths after graduation.

This class project turning into a tangible installation was something that Lynch considered meaningful work throughout her high school experience: “This project proved to me that anyone can do anything for the school. This is my legacy work. It not only showcases the skills that I have but what I can give back to the school and how I fit in and feel welcomed.”

Experiences like these help students build confidence, develop professional habits, and understand what it means to create work for a real audience. In Julianna’s case, she hopes to become a tattoo artist after graduation. She shared that the project itself felt similar to what it would be like in a tattoo shop: “I started with a sketch and stencil for this project just like I would when drawing tattoos. It is similar in line work, and the work process such as having a starting point and a different final product. Double checking there were no mistakes because the product is final, just like a tattoo. I am happy with how it turned out.”

In addition to the Hilltop project, Julianna also had the opportunity to work on billboard designs for a real-world client, Blaise Alexander Dealerships. These designs will be displayed on a digital billboard near Penn College.

For the billboard project, Sam Rutan, a Williamsport graduate 14’, reached out to Tim Miller, WAHS CTE Advertising Art teacher, in hopes to collaborate with current students. Rutan now works in the graphic design industry for Blaise Alexander. Seeing a CTE alumnus return to engage with and support students brings the experience full circle: “There's definitely been some full-circle moments. This spring, I proctored the NOCTI exam in Graphic Design for this year's seniors; I took that same test in that same classroom twelve years ago.” said Rutan.

Miller emphasized how important the collaboration was: “Sam and the class went back and forth on final mockups. It was a great experience for students to see what they did well and where they could improve. It was a true collaboration which gave valuable insight into the real design process.”
Rutan reflected on his CTE experience and how it continues to make an impact: “I remember how important it was as a high school designer to see my work out in the wild, and I'm both honored and grateful to now offer those opportunities to students. The skills this program teaches—critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity—are not exclusive to graphic design and will serve these kids well in any industry.”

As seen in Sam, and in future graduates, the impact of experiences like these extends beyond a single project or student. By connecting classroom learning with real-world applications, WASD creates opportunities for students to build portfolios, gain confidence, and see the value of their work in authentic settings. Whether designing for a school space, a local business, or a future career, students like Julianna leave with more than just completed projects…they leave with the skills, experience, and mindset needed to succeed in whatever path they choose next.

About the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program
Williamsport Area School District CTE prepares students for success beyond the classroom. CTE addresses the needs of these high-growth industries and plays a critical role in closing the skills gap. Williamsport Area High School offers curriculum in accounting, automotive mechanics technology, biotechnology, commercial art, computer information technology, construction trades, culinary arts, diversified occupations: work-based learning experience, early childhood education, health professions, homeland security, engineering and robotics, precision machining, professions in education, and welding technology. All courses are offered on-site at the high school, where specialized classrooms—equipped with proper tools, safety equipment, and supervision—provide students with real-world environments that help them envision themselves in a particular career field.

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