The Warren Tech (WTS) Eagles have always soared high – very high. Established in 1984 as the first school of its kind in the state of Georgia, Warren Tech provides quality academics, technical skills, life-application techniques, and employment opportunities to young men and women from every high school in the district. And for nearly 35 years, they have been doing so without an official sign to mark their entrance – until now. This spring, WTS administrators joined student / designer Charles Taylor to unveil the bright red sign that now proclaims the school’s existence to the world.
“Warren Tech has taught me that we have the power and ability to imagine anything,” Charles said in a statement following the ceremony. “And I imagined that my school should have a sign – so I made one.”
Charles, presently employed as a graphic designer with Atlanta-based ProGraphics, started the sign creation process with a simple sketch while a student in the Warren Tech Graphics Communication program. Later, using ProGraphics-supplied commercial grade equipment, Charles printed and laminated the sign.
Throughout the process, Charles demonstrated the discipline, commitment, and “can do” attitude instilled in him by his Warren Tech teachers and mentors: “I had to apply life-lessons to make it work,” Charles noted, “because the first time I tried it, it didn’t work. So, I had to step back and rethink the process. Eventually, I realized I could make it work by cutting out excess white space with a chain saw. So, that’s exactly what I did.”
“It doesn’t surprise me a bit that Charles was able to design this sign, print it, laminate it, install it, and problem-solve at every step along the way,” said Charles’ ProGraphics supervisor, Ms. Bobi Gerard. “He demonstrates incredible initiative and leads by example. He is an exemplary employee who works in all different areas of our company. In fact, our managers fight over him!”
And WTS principal, Elgin Neal, could not agree more: “I once heard someone say, ‘a business without a sign is a sign of no business.’ And now, thanks to one student’s talent, dedication, creativity, and tenacity, a bold, professional sign proudly announces our business to everyone: At Warren Tech, we’re in the business of educating students – incredible students like Charles – each and every day.”