Confetti dances across the screen as the word ‘Congratulations!’ appears. He takes a sigh of relief, the basic testing nerves leaving his body with the comfort of a passing score. He’s officially certified, a goal that many don’t achieve until college. 

Students in select A/V Technology and Communications courses have the opportunity to earn their certification in the select Adobe Program their class focuses on. Over the past few months, Graphic Design III, also known as Timberwolf Agency, and members of The Wolfcast have been working towards their certifications. 

“Having these certifications will help improve your resume and everything,” senior T-Wolf Agency member Ryan Bucchin said. “I am extremely grateful [for the opportunity to be certified], I think it’s awesome. Not a lot of schools have this opportunity so it’s beyond cool that our school offers it to us.” 

The Adobe Certification is just one of approximately 109 certifications students in LISD can earn. Students are also offered the opportunity to cross-campus if a CTE program interests them but they’re home campus does not offer it.

“Because these certifications are recognized by the professionals in the industry, it’s not just a gold star,” Sarah Spradling, LISD Work-Based Learning Coordinator said. “I would advise students to take these certifications seriously and take advantage of the course you’re in, the teacher’s expertise, and give it your all.”
Bucchin is an Adobe Certified Professional, which means he has passed the certification test for both Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. In order to earn the certificate, a score of 700 or higher must be earned.

“I took the practice test about four or five times for each one,” Bucchin said. “It was pretty similar to the practice test because the program is just linked to Adobe Photoshop, so if you can pass those practice tests it’s pretty basic.”

Before leaving for winter break, members of The Wolfcast took the certification test for Adobe Premiere as their final. Sports Director Reese Elizondo passed on her first try. 

“It’s going to help me know the skills to be able to do well in my college classes,” Elizondo said. “Since I’ve already passed this one, I know I can pass all the other certification tests. I know how the process works and I’m confident in my abilities to use Premier.” 

Elizondo said she believes it is a very important life skill to know how to earn a certification in any kind of activity. 

“Being able to have the confidence in yourself to trust your skill set and pass a certification is really important,” Elizondo said. “I am proud of myself for passing the certification because now I can put the certification badge on all my resumes in the future. It will definitely help me get internships in college because a lot of classes don’t teach this until later, so I am already ahead.”