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Deb Harper

Deb Harper is the lead teacher in the Graphic Design and Digital Communications Program at Assabet Valley Technical Vocational High School - and the woman behind the scenes at Digitize.

Deb was YEA's first teacher/collaborator. She worked closely with YEA to design and launch Digitize in 2004, and she continues to guide its development in concert with the student management team. Early on, Digitize attracted two prominent business clients - New Balance and Middlesex Savings Bank - and this launched the business. Today, thanks to support from Middlesex Savings Bank, Digitize is expanding and launching a greeting card division, Cards, Unlimited.

Deb's efforts and the program's impact on student success was recognized this year with a larger dedicated space at the school, equipped with new computers and large-screen monitors.

Deb is herself an Assabet Valley graduate. After high school, she became a successful entrepreneur. Her first venture, Harper and Company, was cited in 1991 as one of New England's fastest growing companies, generating $1.4 million in contracts. To stay fresh and up-to-date in her field, Deb continues her design work through a second enterprise, AfterDark Design, where she works as an independent design consultant with companies such as Houghton Mifflin Textbooks.

In Deb's mind, running a business and teaching are closely related. As she puts it: "Everything I learned managing a company, I took to the classroom. I treat the students as independent-thinking professionals." Over 90% of her early Digitize alumni have gone on to college in such fields as advertising, business, and commercial design. Deb's strong work ethic and attention to detail, as well as her personal attention and caring for her students, are legendary - and her extra efforts are integral to the Digitize success story.