Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) has initiated the IPS Alumni Spotlight to honor its graduates and shed light on their diverse journeys. Rockland Page, a 2000 graduate of Arsenal Technical High School, shared his experiences and how his time at IPS has shaped his career and personal life.
After high school, Page pursued a BFA in Fine Arts and Graphic Design at Ball State University, graduating in 2004. His career as a designer began at Johnson Publishing Company in Chicago, where he worked on Ebony and JET Magazines. He later became an art director at the Chicago Tribune for seven years. Page is now the founder and CEO of ROCKaBLOCK, LLC, a creative studio in Indianapolis specializing in graphic design, screen printing, and AR-enhanced products.
Reflecting on his time at IPS, Page stated, “My experiences at Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) played a crucial role in shaping my educational foundation and career aspirations.” He emphasized the encouragement he received from teachers and the opportunities provided by IPS to develop his skills and confidence.
Page mentioned teachers like Mrs. Armstrong, Mrs. Schuessler, and Mr. Price, who had a significant impact on his journey. He said, “The extra time and guidance these teachers gave me were invaluable, and their belief in my talent played a huge role in my decision to pursue a career in art and design.”
On how IPS influenced his development, Page noted, “IPS gave me the space to explore my creativity, whether through art competitions, classroom projects, or mentorship from dedicated teachers who saw my potential.” He has stayed connected with the IPS community by mentoring young creatives, offering internships, and speaking to students.
Page advised current IPS students to “stay curious, work hard, and believe in their abilities.” He acknowledged facing challenges such as limited access to resources but stated that overcoming these taught him resilience and self-motivation.
Page also highlighted his commitment to mentoring young creatives to ensure they have the guidance that was sometimes unavailable to him. “These experiences also shaped my commitment to mentoring young creatives,” he said, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for the next generation.
