START THE PRESSES SAUGUS HIGH GETS HIGH-TECH GRAPHICS GEAR.

Byline: Amy Raisin Staff Writer

SAUGUS - Nearly $100,000 in high-tech machinery arrived Wednesday at Saugus High, delivered to the nondescript graphics building nestled on a back lot.

The new four-color printing press and laser paper cutter further set apart Saugus's graphics department from those at other schools, expanding the booming business that prints documents, posters and even graphics on coffee mugs for customers across the county.

``Now we have four colors instead of two, which gives us lifelike photographic quality images,'' said Howard Siegel, a graphics and drafting instructor at the school. ``The program is great for students, for their self-esteem.''

While graphics is a popular elective at Saugus High, the noisy, machine- filled building also is a business that prints documents and silk-screens logos on clothing for clubs and sports teams.

In government terms, Saugus Graphix is an enterprise zone, a mandate that allows the company to do small-scale commercial printing while employing students.

Subsidized by the William S. Hart Union High School District, the outfit offers services to school districts and even Los Angeles County at reduced costs.

``What we get from the customer, we reinvest that money in the program,'' Siegel said. ``This new printer allows us to do process color and gives students better skills to take with them after they graduate.''

Joining the school's existing six single-color presses and two T-head machines, the new printer and laser cutter were purchased with teamwork.

Saugus Graphix and the Hart school district each contributed $30,000, while a federal vocational and educational grant awarded to the Regional Occupation Program completed the funding.

Siegel and Mark Schock, a history and graphics teacher at the school, are paid by the district to supervise the shop, benefiting both parties in the form of facilities and printing production.

It is the benefits to the students, however, that motivates Siegel to share his knowledge of industrial arts with the teens.

``They actually make something, like business cards, memo pads with their names on them. You feel good about the product that you've completed,'' he said.

Senior Travis Larkin has worked in the shop for three years and said the regulars are excited about finally receiving the high-tech printing press and paper cutter.

``It looks a lot better and we've been working on this for a long time,'' Larkin said. ``But this is more than just industrial arts. For me, it's a good business experience, working with actual customers.''

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

A four-color process printer arrives at the Saugus High print shop, Saugus Graphix, where students learn industrial skills.

David R. Crane/Staff Photographer