MARLBOROUGH, MA – The Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) named Ashley Marcelino, a tenth-grade graphic design student from Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, the winner of its first ever logo contest for its annual Connecting for Success (CFS) conference held each June.
Marcelino’s design beat out nearly one-hundred entries through a three-round double-blind selection process. The design was ultimately voted on by the 17-member conference steering committee, which includes an array of high-level education administrators from across the state. Connecting for Success is the largest professional development conference for vocational technical and agricultural educators in Massachusetts.
“We chose to do a logo contest this year to provide an opportunity to students, while working to improve our conference platform,” said conference chair Gabriella White. “We have so much talent in our schools, so who better to create a logo to represent our programs, than a student in one?”
The logo contest was open to any student enrolled in a Massachusetts vocational, agricultural, or comprehensive high school with an approved chapter 74 program. Some schools shared the contest to students for participation at will, while others encouraged teachers to integrate the contest into their curriculum.
Old Colony graphics teacher Thomas Correia said, “Creating logos has always been my favorite part of design, so this was a great opportunity to incorporate that into my classroom. The assignment worked nicely as an introduction to the design process for my sophomores.”
“Ashley demonstrated a remarkable ability to combine artistic vision with technical proficiency,” explained Vocational Coordinator Bethany Botelho. “She represents not just the talent within the Graphic Communications & Design program, but also the dedication and support provided by Old Colony’s exceptional staff.”
MAVA’s Executive Director Steve Sharek accompanied White to Old Colony in Rochester, MA, on Monday, December 11, to award Ashley a $250 prize and deliver remarks at an all-school assembly about her design and the prestigious honor. Also present was MAVA’s Communications Coordinator and retired Old Colony Superintendent, David Ferreira, and Ashley’s parents Katie and Daniel Marcelino.
“I was so surprised to have the winning design,” expressed Ashley. “The process of creating the logo was fun but challenging.” Further expanding on her experience, Ashley shared, “Illustrator is my favorite program out of all the ones we use in shop. I also really like assignments that give me creative freedom to start from scratch. There’s a profound satisfaction in starting with a blank canvas and creating something that I can say I made… and, it’s even better in cases like this, when others enjoy it too.”
“Ashley’s logo is a striking and memorable design that encapsulates the essence of MAVA’s Connecting for Success Conference. The team thought the design captured the spirit of this year’s theme ‘CTE is FUTURE READY!’ while integrating many other clever elements,” noted White. “The design is an outline of the state of Massachusetts with icons incorporated into the state’s border, symbolizing diverse chapter 74 programs.” White further elaborated, “Details such as including the acronym MAVA with a locator symbol indicating its headquarters and conference location, while also finding a place to fit the conference name and year, are reasons Ashley’s logo stood out from the rest.”
“It’s a very detailed logo with a lot to look at and symbols to find,” explained Marcelino. “I had so many ideas but had to compromise a lot throughout the process because logos can only include so much… that’s what made the project challenging. But, all of that was necessary to come up with the final design, and my teacher Mr. Correia was really helpful and supportive.”
Correia said, “I was impressed with how Ashley handled feedback for her design, both before she submitted for the contest, and throughout the revision process with the CFS team.” He continued, “Communication and being able to receive feedback from a client is a critical skill for any artist, and Ashley was able to manage this. She did a great job taking ownership and stepping into the spotlight, especially as a sophomore.”
Ashley is a versatile and dedicated student, excelling in both her academic studies and shop classes. She is a three-season athlete who is on the fall and winter cheerleading squads, and she takes to the lacrosse field in the spring. Beyond school, Ashley boasts a ten-year commitment to gymnastics and she trains regularly as a ninja warrior. When not engaged in her academic and athletic pursuits, Ashley enjoys time with her parents and brother Tyler at their Acushnet residence. While Ashley remains open to possibilities after high school, her of myriad passions and unwavering dedication suggest a successful future awaits.
About the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators
The Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) is a non-profit professional organization that advocates for high-quality vocational technical and agricultural education in Massachusetts. MAVA includes more than 60 member schools located throughout the state with an enrollment of more than 51,000 students in state-approved programs.
