Whitefield’s 2016-2017 student yearbook editors, Olivia Nandkeolyar (11th) and Hadyn Jolly (11th), along with yearbook advisor Alyson Powell, attended a Josten’s training workshop on Thursday, March 24, at the 755 Club at Turner Field. The workshop focused on theme development and was led by John Cutsinger, a Jostens creative accounts manager. The workshop was designed to train rising editors in theme development and leadership for their upcoming year as leaders of the yearbook staff. Olivia and Hadyn learned techniques in leading the new and returning staff members and were encouraged to lead by example and nurture a positive atmosphere by spend one-on-one time with each staffer.
When planning a theme for the next book, Olivia and Hadyn learned that the theme must be cohesive throughout the book and visually and verbally cross the boundaries of all of the pages. They were also encouraged to take the "readers" to places they have never been. In other words, provide new content and find a new approach to covering traditional content such as class pictures or club pictures. The workshop also reminded editors that all students should feel that the yearbook represents their own experience and staffs should strive to create an inclusive book, which includes each person in the school in candid pictures.
The 2017 yearbook staff has already begun planning for the yearbook and will finish its planning at the annual three-day summer camp held in Athens, GA each June.
"I am so excited to have these two young ladies lead the production of our next publication,” said Powell. “They both have a strong work ethic and they strive to put their best work on the pages. They have a desire to guide, teach, and nurture the returning and new staff members. The 2017 book, which is also the 20th anniversary book, will be the best one yet!"