Maintaining a consistent level of quality year after year is the mark of a superior yearbook program. Two yearbooks printed by Walsworth Publishing Company were recently inducted into the National Scholastic Press Association Hall of Fame. These publications were honored for receiving an All American rating from the NSPA for 10 years in a row.
The Mascot, from Mexico Senior High School in Mexico, Mo., and the Indian, from Shawnee Mission North High School in Overland Park, Kan., were two of only five yearbooks inducted into the 1996 Hall of Fame.
As Mexico Senior High School’s yearbook adviser since 1983, Kathy Craghead has worked on all of the school’s All American-winning yearbooks. Craghead said one reason for the yearbook’s quality is the time her staff devotes to reporting.
The Mexico yearbook is known for strong writing,” she said. “I’ve always considered myself a writing teacher.”
Twenty students from Craghead’s staff of 50 were present at the Hall of Fame induction at the Fall JEA/NSPA National Convention in Chicago.
“My entire staff is juniors and seniors, so they view this award as an historical event recognizing the cumulative achievements of past staffs,” Craghead said. “They were excited to be able to attend the actual induction ceremony.”
Adviser Becky Lucas attributes the Indian’s ongoing success to the combination of well-written copy and clean design.
Our design is not what you would call cutting-edge,” she said. “We have a more classic style, but the kids like it, the judges like it, and it stays consistent.”
According to Lucas, “telling the story well” through solid copy is also fundamental to their yearbook’s quality.
The other inductees] are great company to be in,” she said.”These are outstanding books that we have learned a lot from.”
The NSPA All American Hall of Fame was established in 1987 to honor member student publications. A plaque for each school will be added to the NSPA Hall of Fame, which will be on display at the Spring JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention in Phoenix, April 17-20
