OHS Welcomes New Art Teacher To Staff

By Taylor Stirsman, OHS Torch Reporter

    Olympia High School is welcoming a new art teacher, Mrs. Sandra Pitcher, to the staff this year; photography is a new class for her, but she has been interested in it since high school.

Pitcher has lived in Iowa, Kansas, and Illinois throughout her life, though she primarily grew up near Rochester, Illinois and attended Rochester School District, located near Springfield. She is currently living in Stanford, which she says is around the same size of the neighborhood she grew up in.

“The neighborhood I grew up in was also located in the middle of cornfields, like Stanford. I think that’s why I decided to move here, it reminds me of home. Though I’d have to say I prefer Stanford because it feels more like a community here,” said Pitcher.

Art has been something that Pitcher has loved since she was young, She particularly loves photography and how she is able to see the world through another person's’ eyes. She also loves seeing how people edit images and use graphic design elements differently.

While in high school, Pitcher didn’t know what she wanted to study in college and, because of this, she had to do some serious soul searching her senior year. During that year, she had an independent art study and she would spend the class period helping underclassmen on their projects, she fell in love with being able to be a part of others creative process. This is when Pitcher decided being an art teacher was what she was meant to do.

    After her realization of her love for teaching, Pitcher attended Illinois State University where she majored in art education with emphasis in painting. While there, she received a Bachelor's of Science in Art Education.

    Most days of the week, photography students are out of their seats taking photos, either in and around the school, or outside around campus. Pitcher prefers this learning style as it helps students learn how to use their cameras to their advantage and take the best pictures they can.

    “No amount of Photoshop knowledge can help you if you can’t take an amazing photo to begin with. I feel it’s important for students to practice taking photos in class so they can work together through the process providing feedback and suggestions. It creates an amazing collaboration,” said Pitcher.