Graphic design students from Mill Valley High School had to opportunity to work on a Real-World Learning project with Watco, a single-source transportation and supply chain company. Each year, Watco designs an Independence Day shirt with the sales from the shirt benefitting a veteran organization.

MVHS teacher, Travis Kohler, and his graphic design students worked with the Watco team on the concept and produced high-quality design ideas for this year’s patriotic shirt. Olivia Peters, a junior at MVHS, submitted a U.S. flag-eagle combination that was ultimately chosen as the final design. 

This is the first year that Watco has worked with students during the design process, which made this special project more meaningful for everyone involved. Watco team members will buy shirts for everyone in their family each year to support the veterans’ organization that is chosen each year. This year’s Independence Day shirt is currently being sold on the Watco website with all proceeds of shirt sales benefitting USA Cares.

Mill Valley’s Graphic Design Workplace Experience class, which is geared toward juniors and seniors interested in graphic design as a career field, allows students to use their skills and apply them to real-world learning opportunities and applications. Students meet to collaborate with real-world clients within the community, then gain experience and understanding of problem solving for real-world projects.