Bringing the Yearbook to Life

The yearbook: it's one of the high school's longest-standing traditions and has been a part of its history for the last ninety years. It symbolizes the achievements, accomplishments, and spirit prominent within the Unionville community. Every year, the same pattern follows: a new theme, a new layout, all to create a completely unique book. Spanish teacher and co-advisor of the yearbook club Ms. Joanna Johnson gave a thorough explanation of what goes into planning the yearbook’s outline. Coordinating the yearbook comes with its fair share of pressure, but in the end, it’s all worth it for the students and community members who get to relive their fond memories. This process requires meeting tight deadlines, communicating with many individuals, collaborating with companies, and collectively deciding on the design of the yearbook. Additionally, every year, Johnson shows her gratitude to all the hardworking students and staff involved in making the yearbook. She says, “The yearbook this year would not be possible without the very hardworking editors-in-chief and the staff.”

Diving deeper into the process of designing the yearbook, first, a new staff must be selected. The new staff members, along with the rest of the club, get to decide the theme of the book. Before summer break, the designers gather and brainstorm for next year, deciding on patterns for the new cover. In the summer, the chiefs, advisors, and editors collaborate with Jostens, a designing company. Once school is in session again, the fall pages are devised, with each page having a dedicated reporter, designer, and photographer. Approximately six designers work on what they want the template to look like. With a total of two advisors and twenty-six students, the yearbook club collaborates to come up with the final product everyone loves.

When asked to share any hints about this year’s theme, Johnson said, “I think the staff picked an excellent theme, and it’s going to look awesome.” While she keeps students in suspense about this year’s concept, she encourages readers to check the opening pages, which outline the theme and the vision the club members aim to achieve.