DATA Magnet School Prepares For 20th Anniversary

By Breana Bellinger | Staff Writer |

DATA will be having their 20th anniversary on Jan. 9 from 6-8 p.m.

“We will have food, give tours of the facility to see how everything changed, and probably give speeches from our former directors for our celebration,”  Architecture teacher Katy Philbrick said. “We will also have old yearbook pictures for students.”

Design And Technology Academy (DATA) is a magnet program that emphasizes career and professional readiness in the fields of Animation, Architecture, Computer Science, Design & Arts, Technology Application and Video Production.

“I like the students who go to DATA and join the program,” Video Production teacher Mario Falcon said. “I teach video production, and what inspired me  was seeing students creatively film their projects.”

The same day of the 20th anniversary, there will also be the DATA Core Value Awards from 7:45-8:45 a.m.

“In the time I’ve been in DATA, I’ve won perseverance, integrity, and kindness,” Senior Cameron Farr said. “I was surprised at first because I didn’t realize that I showed what I needed to get the awards.”

The two events together will allow the community to celebrate DATA’s success and see the kind of work they do.

“I’m hoping that we’re able to showcase some of our previous work as well as the showcase and some new directions we are heading towards,” DATA Director Lori Murach said.