Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Printing Industries of America is pleased to honor C.S. Monroe Technology Center, Leesburg, Virginia, with the 2014 Frederick D. Kagy Education Award of Excellence for its commitment to lifelong learning and dedication to preparing  students for rewarding careers in the graphic communications industry.

The Graphic Imaging Technology I and II programs at C.S. Monroe Technology Center offer students the experience of a real-world working environment. Students are assigned projects from the community to design and manage so that products similar to those from a live graphic arts shop are created. Concepts are realized from inception to completion through meeting clients, analyzing costs, managing deadlines, and successfully delivering products that ensure maximum customer satisfaction. 

The Monroe Technology Center has gained recognition through many awards and accomplishments, including SkillsUSA State and National Competition Medals, and PIVA Best in Print competition, where they earned a Best in Show, Most Outstanding Program Award, and several Awards of Excellence.

Pam Smith, Graphic Communications Instructor at C.S. Monroe Technology Center, is recognized as the lead instructor to those students who enroll in her course of study.

“It is a breath of fresh air to witness a viable graphic communications program flourish in these times of budget cuts and other pressures on our public school systems,” said a judge. “Congratulations to Pam Smith and the C. S Monroe Technology Center for their dedication and a job well done."

The 2014 Frederick D. Kagy Education Award will be dedicated to Ms. Smith on the C.S. Monroe Technology Center Graphic Communication Department’s behalf at the Printing Industries of America Fall Administrative Meetings, November 14–17, 2014 in Pittsburgh, PA. This forum hosts an impressive audience of industry leaders, including boards of directors and committee members from Printing Industries of America, its Ben Franklin Honor Society, and the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF).

“It is a lifelong dream for a high school teacher to receive such high regard by my peers for something I love to do and am passionate about. But the real honor goes to the students whose talents and skills have made all of this possible,” said Ms. Smith.