By Mia Cerrato – Entertainment Editor

As this school year comes to a close, the yearbook is a big topic of discussion. Advocate Entertainment Editor Mia Cerrato interviewed yearbook advisor Ms. Jessell on the challenges of designing a yearbook during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mia Cerrato: How was the process of creating the yearbook despite the current circumstances?

Ms. Jessell: The process is a lot different this year! We’re up for the challenge. #ChallengeAccepted.

MC: How did the process alter because of the pandemic?

MJ: A lot has altered. Starting with the traditional order of our yearbook. We have taken more of a seasonal approach instead of organizing it by faculty, then students, and all sports and activities. Our 2021 cover has a different flare from past years. Definitely something to look forward to! It was a unanimous choice this time around and possibly one of the best yet! School underclassmen and faculty photos will be taken outside this year in April. Usually they take place in early October so families can have their photo packages for the holidays. Typically these pages are also completed by now and submitted for print. As many know, team photos were a challenge this year due to safety protocols with social distancing and mask wearing. Some photographs were borrowed from last year’s book to compensate. The late start to winter sports will place these pages farther into the book. We are still working out faculty department photos with social distancing, and a few other items on the list. Much work will now have to be completed into the second half of the school-year, and yes, we cannot forget parent messages! We’ve got this! We just ask for the continued support and patience with our student-staff run publication. Sales are up this year. Our yearbook team, just like all of us are doing what we can. Aside from all of the changes, I am very proud of our yearbook staff. They have been doing incredibly well throughout the year’s challenges. We have a few new featured pages and more to come as well. Some throwbacks from the last four years and a few new “Pandemic Changes Pages” such as altered classrooms including the old gym and cafe, lunch kiosk, as well as remote learning, and one-way hallways.

MC: Are there limited pictures of school activities to include in the yearbook?

MJ:  So far, we are doing OK with photographs, but within the upcoming weeks we plan on reaching out for more! A “Spring Photo Submission” flyer will be coming out – something to be on the lookout for.

MC: What is your favorite part of the process?

MJ: Seeing our staffers take on leadership roles and collaborating. Taking initiative, being flexible, and persevering through it all as a team effort.

MC: What do you think will be the students favorite part of the yearbook?

MJ: The cover. The memories. And knowing that this yearbook is like no other. Both a keepsake and document for a unique time in our history.