Walsworth Yearbooks

Black backgrounds set theme pages apart from the rest of the spreads in the 2010 Stampede. The theme, “Paradox,” dominates the right page of the spread. Gold and magenta “X”s cue readers to the importance of this letter; inside, the “X” in “Paradox” often serves as a graphic element.

Gold text draws readers into the copy on these pages. Here, the staff explores the connection between new programs, teachers and policies at the school and the desire to sustain the traditions the school had built in its 10-year history. The copy here raises a lot of questions. “So how do we do it? How do we clinch the old and maintain our traditions while embracing our new academies and adapting to our new rules?” the Stampede staff asks. The rest of the book promises to answer.

Each division spread resembles the opening spread of the book. However, on these spreads, the word “Paradox” has been replaced with a spin-off title for each section. The academics spread, for example, is titled “Exemplary.” Every spin-off title includes the letter “X” and that letter is highlighted in the graphic treatment of the word.

The Stampede staff found a story that showcased a paradox in each section’s domain. On this spread, the staff discusses the school rule against having cell phones on in class. One teacher created a paradox in his classroom by requiring students to use their cell phones to text answers to the teacher for a class poll. This contradiction is a perfect illustration of the paradox that occurs at times in the life of a high schooler.

The sections of the 2010 Stampede all begin with division pages that introduce the spin-off title of each section and address a paradox related to each section. Following those dividers, however, the staff provides a timeline of events from the past 10 years that relate to the section topic. This timeline covers trends over the 10 years to show how student life has changed during the time J.W. Mitchell High School has been open.

In this way, the staff recognizes its school’s 10th anniversary without sacrificing coverage of the 2009-2010 school year throughout the book. These spreads provide just enough information for students to be reminded of the past 10 years in their own lives and each spread relates the information from the past with something from 2009-2010.

An insert that folds out to form an “X” accompanies the Homecoming Rodeo Games spread. This insert allowed the Stampede staff to provide extra coverage in a format that is fun for readers and furthers the theme “Paradox.”

Graphic details on this spread are repeated through the book, including a stylized “X” leading readers' eyes to the byline on each story and consistent use of fonts and colors. Quick-read copy is also a feature of many spreads in the 2010 Stampede. Here, a sidebar lists the winners of events during Homecoming Week competitions. The insert packs a ton of information into a small space by using quick-read copy as well.

This last spread of the 2010 Stampede presents the paradox that is graduation: Students go from knowing everything as seniors to being “a stranded little freshman” again in an instant. The staff chooses to rethink the idea of paradox on this last spread. “But wait, haven’t we realized something? This paradox isn’t a conflict, it’s a solution,” the copy reads. The staff goes on to explain that students, and the school, can build on their pasts and allow themselves to be their high school selves while finding out who they’re becoming.