For Twin Valley senior Ava Simone Strzelecki, a passion for art started early—and it’s now shaping both her education and her future career. As a student in the Advertising Art and Design Technology (AADT) program, Ava has turned her lifelong creativity into hands-on experience through a co-op at Sign Pros, where her work is already leaving a visible mark. “I’ve always enjoyed art since I was really young,” Ava said. “I knew I wanted to do something with it in my career.”
Her path to AADT began with a family connection. Having relatives who attended Berks Career & Technology Center (BCTC), Ava decided to explore the program herself. That decision introduced her to the world of advertising design—a field that expanded her artistic skills in unexpected ways.
While Ava came into the program with experience in traditional art like drawing and sketching, the shift to digital design presented a new set of challenges. “It was a big change,” she explained. “I was more into drawing before, and then coming here, everything was digital.” Though the transition hasn’t always been easy, Ava has embraced it wholeheartedly. “It’s definitely challenging,” she said, “but I do enjoy it.”
That determination has carried over into her co-op placement at Sign Pros, where she works with professional equipment and takes part in real-world production. Her daily responsibilities include vinyl cutting, printing, and preparing materials for signage and displays. “I do a lot of vinyl work—cutting, printing, and things like that,” Ava shared. “Sometimes the pieces I make get shipped out, and other times I help apply them to signs.”
While large installations like vehicle graphics are often completed by other team members, Ava still plays an important role in the process. She also assists in preparing designs for print, which occasionally involves making adjustments to ensure accuracy and quality. “Sometimes I have to readjust designs before printing,” she said. “That can be a challenge, but it’s part of the job.”
Despite the learning curve, Ava has found a favorite part of the work: seeing a project come together from start to finish. “I really enjoy applying vinyl to signs,” she said. “It’s just cool to see the final product.” That sense of accomplishment—watching something she helped create become a finished, usable product—keeps her motivated and engaged.
Looking ahead, Ava plans to continue building on her experience. She intends to attend college after graduating and pursue a degree in communications design, a field that blends creativity with modern digital media. “I’m planning on going to college for communications design,” she said. “That’s what I want to do in my career.”
In the meantime, she’ll continue working at Sign Pros, even as she navigates the challenges of balancing work with her school schedule. “They’re willing to work with me,” she said, noting the flexibility of her employer.
For students considering a similar path, Ava offers simple but powerful advice: “If you want to do something, go for it. Don’t hold back.”
With a strong foundation in both artistic passion and practical experience, Ava Simone Strzelecki is already proving that creativity—paired with determination—can lead to exciting opportunities and a bright future.