The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Yearbook honored with excellence award
The past school year has been one of the strangest and most difficult for students who were trying to learn amidst a pandemic. Even through this time, the yearbook staff at Kirtland High School were able to create a book that captured memories of the year and connected everyone, whether at home or in the classroom. It is this dedication that led to the 20192020 Kirtland High School Yearbook being awarded the Walsworth Gallery of Excellence Award, according to a news release from the school.
This award is given by the yearbook printing company, Walsworth Publishing. Its Gallery of Excellence is a collection that is compiled every year of the most distinguished yearbooks that Walsworth prints. The books in the gallery are chosen based on quality demonstration of theme, coverage, design, photography and copy.
Only a limited number of yearbooks receive this award and are shared at workshops with other schools for inspiration. They are also featured at regional, state, and national conventions as models of remarkable student journalism. In addition, the covers, photos and coverage ideas are available for viewing on the Walsworth website and in the company’s educational materials.
President of Walsworth Yearbooks, Don Walsworth, wrote a letter to Kirtland High School English Teacher and Yearbook Adviser Jennifer Berry saying, “Our company’s reputation of superior quality is enhanced by Gallery books such as yours. Your yearbook’s induction is a commendation of your staff’s outstanding work and commitment to excellence.”
Berry said her Yearbook staff is made up of 28 students who are creative, motivated and eager to help. Staff member Dominic Vernon has entered some of his photos into national competitions and is always on the football sidelines. Senior Editor Emma Simons, Junior Editor Kaley Ream and Design Editor Amber Yurick are a huge force behind the book as well.
This yearbook is a student publication and students take yearbook as a class. Below many explained why they decided to join.
“I joined yearbook because I aspire to be an author and a journalist. I figured this class would give me some experience with journalism and photography, two skills that I have had very little experience with until now. My time in this class hasn’t been exactly what I expected, what with the pandemic and all, but I’ve still found ways to learn and enjoy making the yearbook.” (Sarah Fisher (‘24 - 1st year in yearbook)
“I signed up for the yearbook for my freshman year because the class is different. In yearbook, you’re not taking notes, studying, or being tested. Instead, you are part of a community where you get to be creative and get to let your guard down.” (Jacqueline Gotch 2nd year in yearbook)
“I joined yearbook because I wanted to help create something and give back to my school. Being able to work on the yearbook allows me to have a positive impact on others.” (Ashton Gregory ‘21 - 1st year in Yearbook)
“I signed up for yearbook as a freshman because I had an open class period and it seemed like a fun class. I had no idea how much fun I would end up having, though. Last year’s yearbook was definitely a strange year from March through May, but it made finishing the book even more of an accomplishment.” (Kaley Ream ‘22 3rd year in yearbook)
“My favorite part of being involved in yearbook is facing the challenges of design, grammar, and meeting deadlines. Due to the Pandemic, the Kirtland yearbook staff has made this year’s book all about ‘What do you think?’ This gives each student a chance to have their thoughts and opinions heard throughout the book.” (Brooke Alfieri ‘21 - 2nd year in Yearbook)
This year especially was a challenge when trying to connect students who were only present virtually, but Berry said the staff worked hard to include everyone.
“We want this book to be a historical document of the people who called this place theirs - who our students are beyond the classroom and sports. We were honored to receive the award, especially given the challenges of COVID-19 in the spring,” said Berry.
Rob Rainer, Sales and Service representative for Walsworth Publishing, wrote a letter to Kirtland High School Principal Scott Amstutz saying, “The yearbook staff at Kirtland is one of the hardest working, dedicated staffs I have ever had the honor of working with. They blend great design, photography, and excellent copywriting in producing the yearbook.”
He also commended Berry for her efforts in guiding the staff to create the best yearbook possible for the Kirtland community. The school will receive a commemorative plaque that outlines the award for Kirtland High School to display.