Celebratory fireworks burst on the webpage as senior Noelle Chan, editor-in-chief, submitted the final pages of the Ash-á-Wût Yearbook for print. 

    “I think this has been my favorite book so far, I’m proud of what we accomplished,” Chan said enthusiastically. “I’m surprised since we had many new members, at first I was scared, but they all put in the commitment.” 

   Room B138 is bustling daily with yearbook staff hurriedly sending call slips, interviews in progress, camera clicks, and people coming in and out of the room. 

   “Despite the loudness at times, I would consider the yearbook room to be a very friendly environment…it’s very busy and there’s always something going on,” freshman Ria Sign said. 

   The year began with team leaders such as senior Samantha Chong educating newcomers on yearbook writing requirements and interview techniques. Chong highlighted the significance of emphasizing each person individually and telling their story with attention and enthusiasm.

   Team leaders are responsible for ensuring that their trainees possess the yearbook design, photo, and copy skills. All students, notably underclassmen, should be proficient in all three areas to train new staff the next year. The objective is to complete all of the spreads on schedule and at a high enough standard so the advisor and the editor-in-chief do less editing.

   “Completing the yearbook is a huge group effort,” Chong emphasized. “Even though we’re in our groups, we all have our strengths to help each other when needed.”

   Throughout the year, the team’s teamwork and communication were vital. Rotating groups enabled fresh interactions and insights into varied working styles, building a feeling of community and shared responsibility.

   Chan expressed the occasional difficulty of leading the staff: “It’s important to check in with everyone and make sure they’re staying on task…especially the freshman and juniors since they were all new.” 

   She made plans to train underclassmen for future yearbook editions, going beyond the present by getting references from previous books and organizing brainstorming sessions.

   “It was great to see all of the pages being put together,” Noelle Chan grins, appreciating the teamwork that defines their yearbook family.

   Deadlines were especially tight and sometimes difficult for the staff; working in groups, they had to strategize and assign meticulously. Despite the stress and pressure, the staff’s joint efforts and commitment to excellence ensured they finished the yearbook on time, demonstrating their resilience and determination to produce a high-quality publication.

   “My first deadline was less stressful because we had more time to work, but our deadlines got tighter during December,” informed senior Phoebe Chan, design editor.

   Chan, the diligent design editor, instructs the designers on the yearbook website’s tools and design concepts. With a strong eye for detail, Chan ensured that each layout followed the team’s unified design, emphasizing the significance of space and visual consistency.

   Singh, a freshman photographer and copywriter, welcomes the challenges and opportunities for growth. Singh navigates the many areas of yearbook creation, from writing engaging material to developing her photographic talents. 

   “Interviewing is the most difficult part because you have to write questions to get the right answers you want,” Singh informed. “And then put it into a concise three sentences, which should be entertaining to read and not at all run on.”

   As the theme of commitment runs throughout this year’s edition, it reflects the team’s dedication. They commit to creating the yearbook, conserving memories, telling many stories, and celebrating the people within Gabrielino High School.