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Graphic design students from the Chambers County Career Technical Center unveiled their designs for a new logo for the Valley Haven School on Friday.

“We met with the students back in February and told them what we wanted,” Valley Haven Executive Director Craig Brown said in a press release. “It was awesome working with these local students, and they have done a super job.”

Valley Haven, which provides education, training and special instruction for intellectually disabled and/or developmentally delayed preschoolers and adults, had wanted a new logo that promoted its mission and creates a greater identity in the general public. Because of that desire, Valley Haben Board President  Chris Busby reached out to Chambers County School System Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hodge to get the process started.

“We always like to partner with local organizations on projects such as this,” Busby said. “Because of my relationship with the Chambers County School System, I reached out to Superintendent Dr. Kelli Hodge and pitched her the idea of us working with the Graphic Design class. She was extremely excited about the opportunity and put me in touch class instructor Kaprice Smith.”

The project started in March, right around the time that schools were closed due to COVID-19. Even with the pandemic going on, the 25 students from Valley and LaFayette High Schools were able to still work together to finish the project with multiple designs to choose from.

“As always, I am amazed daily by my students’ willingness to learn, and even more impressed by their competitiveness and desire,” Smith said. “In addition to creating these logos, several students have taken on the challenge and become self-published authors, freelance designers, recording artists and even young entrepreneurs.”

Valley Haven chose from four designs, and after narrowing down its decision to the final two, the Valley Haven Board decided to use both designs. One will be used for the Early Intervention program, which is used for babies, while the other will be used for the main Valley Haven logo.

LaFayette senior Marcus Curry designed the Early Intervention logo, while a combination of LaFayette senior Michael Little and Smith designed the main logo.

“I will forever be proud of our Chambers County School District students and continue to push them outside their comfort zone,” Smith said. “I believe in their abilities, and I love sharing the journey of watching them grow, become and learn.”