![Hosting the SCLA Casptone Mentor Dinner outside allowed for more attendees on September 27, 2021 at Silver Creek. This event would’ve usually been held inside. According to Lauren Kohn, a SCLA 12 teacher, “If we have a higher number of people, as long as we can host the event outside, then that seems to be keeping every[one] safe”.](https://schsnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/sxMAIGbSYGodZkqmrvTi5YWcJ1ssWA08ApkeMLpp-900x675.jpeg)
At first glance, the school yearbook may seem like another book filled with photos and captions, a colorful collection of memories to flip through once a year. However, the yearbook course is much more than that for the students behind its creation.
It’s a unique blend of creativity, collaboration, and storytelling that brings an entire school year to life.
The yearbook class is not just a class where students fill pages with pictures; it’s an immersive, hands-on experience that combines various skills: photography, writing, design, teamwork, and problem-solving.
A space where students of all backgrounds can contribute whether they’re involved in taking photos of school events or interviewing classmates and teachers.
Yearbook class is an elective in which students, teachers, and staff collaborate to document the highs, lows, and everything in between that has happened during the school year.
Joylynn Boardman, an 11th-grade teacher at Silver Creek High School, runs the Yearbook class and expresses her passion for teaching the class.
“I took on yearbook because I thought I could make all the kids do all the work, but then I realized I love and enjoy the class myself because it allows me to be creative and I typically don’t think I’m that creative since I’m an English teacher,” says Boardman.
Some view the yearbook as a historical document: the story of the school year told through the eyes of its students. It’s easy for us as people to forget the little moments – the hallway conversations, the big game wins, or the quieter achievements- until they’re captured in print.
“We try to capture all the little moments that have happened within the school year,” states Hudson Mehren, a senior in the class.
As students pour their time and creativity into crafting each page, they realize the weight of their responsibility: “We’re able to control what goes in and what we think is good to be featured in the yearbook,” says Josie Starks, a junior at Silver Creek.
The photos they are selecting and analyzing are important because they hold memories for future generations to look back on and cherish.
“I never really thought I’d be in a class with this group of people but I really like it, everyone is nice and welcoming and if you ever need help, everyone is willing to help you figure [it out] with you,” says Phoebe Richmond, a junior at Silver Creek.
A single yearbook doesn’t come from one person’s effort—it’s a collective project. Students must all collaborate to ensure that the narrative of the year is captured in a way that resonates with everyone. Teamwork builds leadership skills, improves communication, and teaches students how to balance creativity with logistics.
“Half of the yearbook would need to be completed by the end of December and the other half has to be done by May,” says senior Mallory Gahn.
Students quickly learn the value of collaboration as they work together to meet deadlines, brainstorm ideas, and piece together a cohesive and visually appealing final product.
“We design spreads, import photos, interview students three times in the yearbook, really we try to include everyone so they don’t feel left out,” says Lucia De La Lama, a senior in the class.
Whether arranging a sports page with action shots or crafting a senior page that reflects the personality of each individual, the class becomes an outlet for students to showcase their artistic skills.
Designing a yearbook is a dynamic challenge—it requires balancing form and function, making sure every element fits cohesively while allowing each student’s creative vision to shine.
