TOWAMENCIN – Deep in the corridors of K-pod is a class perhaps unlike any other at North Penn. Instead of grading students on tests and quizzes, the members of the Yearbook club, who meet everyday during third period are graded on the spreads they create.
“I think it’s a neat thing for students to be in because they get to produce something that everybody gets to see,” stated the Yearbook club advisor Ms. Lawler. This is her second year as advisor and she is already seeing commonalities between last year and this year’s class.
“I think as a group last year they became a family and this year it’s the same thing,” she noted.
Every spring, North Penn puts out the annually themed yearbook, and students get the opportunity to reminisce about all their favorite moments from the year. The book is a fun way to celebrate all of the school’s milestones and events, but what you might not know is that it is completely designed by the students.
In the beginning of the school year the club members were each assigned a table, and each table grouping had the opportunity to pitch an idea for what this year’s theme should be. From there they chose which theme they liked best.
Riley Shields, who is one of the executive editors and was in the winning group, hinted at their chosen idea by stating “We thought it would be a good way to show the story of the year..It’s a very classic theme.”
The many different pieces that go into making the Yearbook is another reason why this club calls for students from all different backgrounds, and a large variety of skill sets. They are required to meet deadlines, create interesting spreads, and reach out to clubs and sports teams themselves.
“I think it’s a really great creative outlet,” Shields said. “To explore different aspects (of art) like photography and writing.”
Clubs and Activities editor Chris Gehlert joined the class so he could utilize his photography skills and get more comfortable behind the camera.
“Pictures can convey a story, whether that be a dominant photo or some other minor photos on the page,” he commented. “It can evoke pride, sympathy, or empathy with a reader.”
While the yearbook staff does spend a large portion of class working on their chromebooks, they are certainly not dormant, and are encouraged to use this time to interview the student body and staff. With this, the club members are able to gain journalism skills through their dialogue with others.
“It’s one thing to be able to interview someone, it’s another thing to be able to have a fluid conversation with someone, and actually get out of your comfort zone and be able to communicate with other people,” said student life editor Sophia Tubertini, who’s second year in the class has allowed her to lean into a larger leadership role.
Whatever their reason for joining the class may be, one thing all the students can agree on is that Yearbook has undoubtedly become an important part of their day, and allowed them to make friendships with people they might not have known otherwise.
“What’s unique about it is it’s an actual class..there’s a sense of community where it’s all these different people coming together to make this book,” Executive editor Merryame Hameg reflected. “It’s such a cool experience and the fact that it’s student-led is just insane.”
As for the rest of the school year, the staff plans to continue working hard on the Yearbook and have it finished by the early spring. One of their new goals is for the club to gain more publicity and recognition at North Penn, and even possibly doing a segment on the morning show.
For more information about the North Penn 2024 yearbook staff, you can visit their instagram page, where they have been dropping hints at the theme via posts and captions.