Carson High senior wins NDE logo contest

Carson High School senior and graphic design student Luet Lobsien was encouraged to think outside the box to create a winning logo for the Nevada Department of Education’s “Learning for the Future” education conference this year. So he expanded his mindset to the galaxies for inspiration.

Lobsien’s design, chosen from among more than 200 student entries, will brand the NDE’s conference for at least two years and be used on the event’s promotional materials. Lobsien followed the advice graphic design teacher Patricia Ababio.

“I needed to think out further,” Lobsien said. “I just want to make people happy and smile with my work.”

The NDE celebrated Lobsien’s achievement in Ababio’s class Friday by providing him with a certification of appreciation, a framed version of his design and an Amazon gift card.

Superintendent Andrew Feuling told Ababio’s students it’s easy to see why they would choose her classes.

“What you guys are going to be learning not only is fun because you get to be creative, but in terms of future opportunities, this is amazing and it’s just the start of your career,” Feuling said. “And you get to make all sorts of money to do this work.”

Jaci McCune, K-12 core computer science technology and STEM education programs professional in the NDE’s Office of Standards and Instruction Support, said the conference for educators that takes place Dec. 2 in Las Vegas will be the department’s first since the pandemic, and the logo will be featured prominently.

Logo entries were whittled from more than 200 to five in multiple rounds with several judges. McCune, a former Carson City teacher, said she recused herself as a judge once she learned a CHS student was named a finalist.

“We try to find ways to include students in things and bring recognition to all of the different programs in schools,” she said. “That’s very important. Sometimes it changes their life and changes what they want to do.”