Pioneer Valley High School students win movie poster design competition

Three students out of 101 entries won the Pioneer Valley High School Digital Arts Movie Poster Design Competition this year. 

“Judging was especially difficult this year, as the quality of work was exceptional,” Chris Silva, a career technical education and digital arts instructor, said in a press release. “These students demonstrated outstanding dedication, hard work, and growing proficiency in digital arts and visual communication. It is a privilege to inspire the next generation of creatives, and their talent continues to raise the bar year after year.”

Ahmir Estacio took first place with a $200 prize from Santa Barbara Teachers Federal Credit Union; Emily Vargas took second with $150 prize from Inspired Eye Images Photography; and Jesus Antonio took third with $150 from KKidz. 

All are Silva’s digital arts students. Their posters will be printed, professionally framed, and displayed in the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District’s administrative office after spring break, according to the district. 

The competition pushed students to combine technical and skills and creative storytelling by using photography, photo editing, thoughtful composition, and digital design in Adobe Photoshop, according to the district.

This article appears in Apr 24 – May 4, 2025.