Marshalltown High School student ShayeLyn Pickett is pictured with one her graphic design projects. The senior has earned a scholarship to the Minneapolis College of Art and Design to study graphic design.
Marshalltown High School senior ShayeLyn Pickett said she was in tears when she found out she had been accepted into the prestigious Minneapolis College of Art and Design. The icing on the cake was when she later found out she had earned a half-scholarship and a MacBook Pro from the school as well.
“Even more emotions came through when I found out about the scholarship,” Pickett said.
A talented graphic designer, ShayeLyn will have completed four classes in graphic design when her four years at MHS are finished in May.
“I love the concept of being able to create something that everyone is going to see,” Pickett said of graphic design.
She also credits the art instructors at MHS including Kirk Niehouse, Rebecca Erickson and Wade Judge for helping her along the way.
“They have done so much, not only in art, but building me up as a person,” Pickett said. “I couldn’t have been around better people.”
The feeling is mutual with Mr. Niehouse.
“We are very proud of her,” Niehouse said. “She puts in the extra time and extra work to make sure her designs look good.”
Pickett already has some real-world experience to take with her to college. She currently works part-time doing graphic design work for the local printing company, Minuteman.
“ShayeLyn does great work,” said Jonathan Bizios, co-owner of Minuteman. “She’s got a creative mind and she works really hard. It’s a pleasure to have her around.”
She attended a summer program last year at MCAD and will return this next summer as well as she gears up to be a full-time college student next fall. It’s no secret she plans to study graphic design at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. ShayeLyn looks forward to seeing what she can create at the next level.
“Being in Minneapolis, it’s such an artistic place,” she said. “There’s so much inspiration.”
