Posters With Purpose: Students Design Positivity
[Written by Anya Thompson]
In today’s world of likes, scrolls, and non-stop notifications, the average student is juggling more than textbooks and timetables. They’re carrying the weight of self-doubt, anxiety, and uncertainty — all while navigating the rocky road of adolescence. But at CedarBridge Academy, a group of Digital Print Production students are flipping the script — and they’re doing it one poster at a time.
Guided by their teacher, Mrs. Lisza Pitcher, students recently engaged in a heartfelt discussion on the power of design — not just to decorate walls, but to inspire hearts. “How can we use art and design to support and uplift each other?” she asked. The question hung in the air like the beginning of a movement — and just like that, a spark was lit.
Students began sharing sentiments that were as raw as they were real: “Don’t give up,” one said. “Work harder,” added another. “Focus more, distract less.” These weren’t just phrases. They were the lived experiences of young people trying to rise above the noise.
And so, the mission was born: create a series of motivational posters that would speak life into the student body. Each student teamed up in small groups, brainstorming messages of strength, resilience, and self-belief. One standout group, The Shield, coined a phrase that punched with poetic power:
“The fight is not over, only the round.”
A nod to the boxing ring of life — where falling is part of the process, but staying down is not an option.
While collaboration was key, individual creativity remained front and center. Every student was required to produce their own poster, incorporating two elements and two principles of design, along with original titles and supportive texts. The integration of AI-generated imagery was allowed, but only as a visual assistant — not a creative crutch. As Mrs. Pitcher put it, “The ideas must come from them. The tech is just a tool, not the imagination.”
Student Isryeal Smith reflected deeply on the project, noting, “This assignment really opened my eyes to how powerful a growth mindset can be. We can change how we feel just by changing what we believe about ourselves.” His message to peers? Stop feeding the doubt, start reading the truth — especially the ones taped to the school walls.
Mrs. Pitcher also encouraged students with a passion for creativity to seriously consider graphic design as a career. “It’s not just about making things look pretty. It’s about telling stories, solving problems, and sparking change,” she shared.
And indeed, these posters aren’t just art — they’re quiet revolutions. In hallways where stress might echo, hope hangs in bold fonts and vibrant colors.
Because in a world where teens often feel like they’re on the ropes — these students have found a way to remind each other that the bell hasn’t rung yet.
What a beautiful project. This is amazingly thoughtful
Well done to the teacher and her students