Walsworth Yearbooks

A full-spread photo of a boy walking into the school provides a background for opening copy that addresses the last first day of school the 2,118 students at Liberty High School will experience together.

Along the side of the spread, a list of words that often follow the word “Last” is annotated with student quotes. One student reveals what gets on her last nerve, another reveals the last time something embarrassing happened to her. These additions add a personal touch to this opening spread while remaining theme-related. The folios on this spread, and throughout the book, also include student perspectives on the theme, “Last.” Small photos accompany quotes under headlines that include the theme word.

The Spectator staff chose to arrange its 2010 book chronologically. This fits beautifully with the concept behind the theme, “Last.” This divider introduces the August and September section of the book and uses the word “Last” to mean something other than “final.” Here, the title of the section expresses something every student can relate to: It seems like it lasts forever.”

Graphic stitches that run along one photo and around the subject of another represent the ties that bind members of this community together. These stitches seem permanent, but things can be ripped apart at the seams, editor Kaylie Lau explains in the colophon. Because the school will split at the end of the year, these graphic stitches are an appropriate touch to the 2010 Spectator.

Action photography stands out in the sports coverage of the 2010 Spectator. This volleyball spread is typical of these pages and showcases some excellent photography and photo editing. Graphic elements are also used with purpose; a red bracket draws readers to a sidebar and a muted pattern leads readers to the headline package. These elements add interest to this spread and a consistent look to the entire book.

Each division spread presents a photo taken from behind a student. This perspective allows these students to take on the role of every student, and fits well with the book’s theme, “Last.” On this divider, a student heads into the snow with a snowboard. This spread connects the theme with the events of the year by covering “Lasting winter weather” that included four snow days.

Details throughout the 2010 Spectator remain incredibly consistent. Even people pages look like they belong to this book alone. Here, a mint green background brings the color scheme of the rest of the book into this section. The quote collection presented here also remains consistent with design details used throughout the book; brackets, font choices and graphic stitching help this package fit into the design theme.

This attention to detail in design is continued in the copy. Each spread relates a story that students at Liberty are lucky this staff wrote down. This book is a tribute to the last year students at Liberty will be together, but it is also a record of what it was to be a student at Liberty High School during 2009-2010.

The final spread of the 2010 Spectator mirrors the first. Here, a student walks out of the school building as a background to closing copy that follows students on that final walk. “The final bell rings, signifying the end. You pack up the things that have been sitting in your locker for nearly ten months,” this copy begins. The journey out of the school is continued until the last line, which is specific to Liberty High School. “Even as you make your way across town, starting the way to your next destination, there are bright blue rings shining in your rear view, reminding you of the path that brought you to the place you stand at… Last.” Those blue rings are the lights on an archway at Liberty High School, and an image that is universal for students who attended. It is these kinds of details that make the 2010 Spectator a truly special book that captures the images, memories and emotions of the 2009-2010 school year.