Each year, the McCaskey Yearbook staff embarks on an ambitious journey to encapsulate an entire school year’s worth of memories, friendships, and milestones into 200 carefully curated pages. This year’s edition is no exception, as the dedicated students behind the project unveil a yearbook that is more than just a collection of pictures but a reflection of the spirit that define the McCaskey community.
At the heart of this effort is a passionate team of students, led by Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Ward and editor Yani Rodriguez. From the earliest brainstorming sessions in the summer to the final submissions in March, their mission has been to craft a yearbook that speaks to the experiences of every student, ensuring that no story goes untold. This year, that mission took shape in a theme centered on friendship and love, subtly inspired by one of today’s most influential artists, Taylor Swift. The focus remains on the broader message of unity and the diverse, interconnected stories that make McCaskey unique. “We want every student to see themselves in the yearbook and feel like they were part of something bigger,” says Gabrielle Mappone, Yearbook Advisor. “It’s not just a book, it’s a community effort.”
A Cover That Reflects the McCaskey Spirit
The cover itself embodies this vision, a shimmering disco ball, symbolizing the many facets of McCaskey coming together as one. Each mirrored tile is composed of student-submitted photos, showcasing the vast array of clubs, activities, and personalities that make up our school. The disco ball, often associated with celebration, light, and community, perfectly captures the energy and togetherness that the yearbook team aims to highlight.
It is a fitting representation of a yearbook that strives to ensure every student is seen, with a goal of featuring each student at least three times within its pages.
Research indicates that when students see themselves in the yearbook multiple times, they feel a deeper connection to their school, reinforcing that they are an integral part of McCaskey’s evolving story.
“We set a goal to include at least 33% of our students three times or more in the book,” says Mappone. “That’s what research shows makes students feel seen, and that’s what we strive for every year.”
Hidden Treasures and Interactive Features
Beyond the cover, this year’s edition is filled with hidden treasures that make it a dynamic, engaging keepsake. One of the most exciting features is a series of hidden Easter eggs in the form of small cat images scattered throughout the pages. These cats serve as a fun challenge for students, who can flip through the yearbook to find them. When scanned, the images unlock additional digital content, offering a new way to interact with the memories captured in print.
Another creative detail is the incorporation of song lyrics into the design. The titles of each section are drawn from Taylor Swift lyrics that emphasize themes of friendship, unity, and harmony. This subtle nod adds an extra layer of meaning, connecting students to emotions and experiences that have defined their school year.
The Intensive Process Behind the Yearbook
Creating a yearbook of this caliber is no small feat. The process begins in August, with the team diving into theme development, content planning, and layout design. Over the next several months, they work tirelessly to gather photographs, conduct interviews, write captions, and design pages. Every detail, from font choices to image placement, is carefully considered to ensure a polished final product.
“It’s definitely hard and time-consuming,” says Jenny Ward, “but it is all extremely rewarding in the end, especially to see the look on all of our peers’ faces when they flip through the yearbook and see themselves, their friends, and their quotes.”
The McCaskey Yearbook is a true example of collaboration. While the student staff plays a leading role, the project is made possible by contributions from teachers, WMCC, and the wider school community. From gathering content to proofreading pages, the collective effort behind this publication is immense.
Skills That Last a Lifetime
Beyond creating a tangible product, the experience of working on the yearbook equips students with invaluable skills. Karissa Tunbush, McCaskey’s Jostens representative, emphasizes the breadth of real-world knowledge students gain through their involvement. “It really is everything. Design, photography, interviewing, writing, marketing. The students walk away with experience that extends far beyond the classroom.”
Tunbush, who has worked with over 150 schools, praises McCaskey’s yearbook team for their dedication and professionalism. “This staff truly goes above and beyond,” she says. “The way they include as many students as possible, the level of detail in their design, and the overall excitement they bring to the project is incredible. It’s always a pleasure to see what they create.”
She also highlights how the skills students gain in yearbook production translate into real-world career opportunities. “These students are learning so much more than how to put together a book,” Tunbush explains. “They are learning how to collaborate, meet deadlines, adapt to challenges, and tell compelling stories through both words and visuals. These are skills that will serve them well in college, careers, and beyond.”
A Record-Breaking Year
This year, the yearbook staff reached a new milestone, selling over 300 copies, a record for McCaskey. This surge in sales reflects not only the high quality of the yearbook itself but also the enthusiasm and pride students and families have for the publication. It is a cherished keepsake, preserving the memories, challenges, and triumphs of the school year.
A Celebration and a Look Ahead
As May approaches, the anticipation builds for the yearbook distribution party, where students will finally get their hands on the finished product. It will be a moment of celebration, marking the culmination of months of hard work. And while this year’s book is nearing completion, the team is already looking ahead, brainstorming ideas for next year’s theme.
Year after year, the McCaskey Yearbook continues to be more than just a book, it is a storytelling masterpiece, a collective memory, and a lasting symbol of school pride. As long as there are stories to be told, the yearbook team will be there to capture them, ensuring that every student has a place within its pages.