Syril Strickler
Ventura Adult School
Nominated in 2025
Syril Strickler’s journey has been one of resilience, passion, and unwavering determination. Facing a serious medical condition that required brain surgery, she was unable to drive for over a year and had to put her education at Ventura Adult and Continuing Education (VACE) on hold. Despite these challenges, she never lost sight of her goal—earning her Professional Certificate in Graphics. After several years of perseverance, Syril proudly graduated from VACE.
Her artistic journey began long before VACE. In 1986, she earned a BFA from The Art Institute of Chicago and went on to establish her own business specializing in decorative and mural painting. Over the years, she built a diverse portfolio, taught art and painting, and made significant contributions to the creative community. But she always wanted to expand her artistic talent and move more into Digital and Graphic Design. This led her to VACE.
At VACE, Syril’s dedication and talent were recognized when she was named Student of the Month in December 2023. Despite serious medical setbacks and delays caused by the COVID-19 slowdown, she remained committed to completing the Graphics and Web Applications Program. What is typically an eight-month program took her four years to finish, yet she excelled in all 14 courses, completing 1,190 hours of coursework with outstanding attendance. She also served as class student council representative, taking on leadership roles and volunteering her time to support both her classmates and the school.
Beyond academics, Syril has a heart for giving back. Each year, she helps organize holiday gifts for families in need and takes the initiative to decorate the classroom for the season. Her artistic talents and passion for education make her an ideal candidate to teach painting and drawing at VACE, filling a gap where no formal instructor currently exists.
With her incredible portfolio, extensive experience, and deep commitment to the arts, Syril is poised for a bright future in the design industry—one that will no doubt continue to inspire and uplift others.
