A strong reference section is not an afterthought. It is a reader service. It is where accuracy, organization and credibility come together.
The 2025 President’s Collection Training Series highlights award-winning books that treat the reference section with the same care as theme, coverage and design. These staffs prove that reference pages can be detailed, cohesive and visually engaging.
Award-Winning Reference Examples from the 2025 President’s Collection
Ledoian, Aledo High School, Aledo, Texas
The Ledoian demonstrates that every essential reference element must be present and complete. Group photos, sports scoreboards, ads, index and colophon are all clearly organized and fully developed.
Scoreboards include detailed win-loss records and extend beyond varsity competition. If a team wears a uniform, it is documented. Group photos vary in shape and layout, reflecting current design trends while maintaining structure.
The ad section mirrors the book’s overall design system, including consistent fonts, graphics and folios. The colophon spans a full spread and includes editorial staff, printing specifications and theme explanation. The index is comprehensive and designed with the same visual care as the rest of the book.
Why it works:
- Complete reference elements
- Detailed and accurate scoreboards
- Design consistency from cover to ads
- Full, reader-friendly index
Eyry, Charlotte Latin School, Charlotte, North Carolina
This book takes an innovative approach by combining group photos, scoreboards and index elements within one cohesive section. The structure is clear and intentional, helping readers locate information efficiently.
Design elements from the main book carry directly into the ad section. Color palettes, graphic lines and visual motifs remain consistent, reinforcing theme unity even in paid content.
The colophon includes both narrative storytelling about the book’s creation and detailed production specifications. This balance of personality and professionalism elevates the section beyond basic requirements.
Why it works:
- Creative organization without confusion
- Strong visual cohesion
- Narrative-driven colophon
- Clear separation of ads within reference
Lanidrac, Lawson High School, Lawson, Missouri
Lanidrac shows that size does not limit quality. In a more compact book, clubs, academic teams and select ads are organized efficiently before transitioning into a complete index.
The index goes beyond student names. Spread topics are bolded and easy to locate, reinforcing that an index should document subjects and themes in addition to individuals.
Why it works:
- Efficient use of limited pages
- Comprehensive indexing of topics and names
- Clear visual hierarchy within index
Ship, Presque Isle High School, Presque Isle, Maine
The Ship excels in colophon execution. The section includes a narrative about the making of the book along with extensive publication and printing details.
The index integrates theme visuals and verbal elements, proving that reference pages do not need to feel static. Spread titles, non-students and detailed entries are all included.
Ads are organized clearly, and unused space is leveraged to add additional student coverage. The result is a reference section that feels dynamic rather than purely functional.
Why it works:
- Complete and celebratory colophon
- Theme integration within index
- Strategic use of space in ads
- Balanced mix of content and commerce
The Den, Bernardo Heights Middle School, San Diego, California
This middle school book proves that strong reference standards apply at every level. The divider, graphics and color bars tie directly into the theme system used throughout the book.
Ads are clearly separated and neatly organized, while still incorporating coverage elements and modules that add visual interest. Most importantly, the index is present, detailed and proofed carefully.
A strong index requires planning and consistent proofing. It cannot be built at the last minute.
Why it works:
- Theme continuity through reference
- Clear ad organization
- Comprehensive, carefully built index
- Commitment to accuracy
Heritage, Shawnee Mission South High School, Overland Park, Kansas
Heritage demonstrates that coverage does not stop when the traditional sections end. Their reference section receives the same intentional planning as the rest of the book, reinforcing that every page matters.
Instead of treating group photos as a checklist item, Shawnee Mission South elevates them with dedicated divider pages for clubs and sports. Color coding helps readers navigate the section, while varied photo sizing ensures faces remain proportionate and readable. The result is visual interest without sacrificing clarity.
Sports coverage is equally thoughtful. Larger teams receive proportionate space, while smaller teams are designed so individual faces remain consistent in size. This attention to scale reinforces fairness in representation.
Why it works:
- Dedicated dividers for clubs and sports
- Strategic use of color for organization
- Proportionate group photo design
- Interactive elements that increase engagement
Equal emphasis on reference as a storytelling space
What You’ll Learn in this Reference Video
- How to ensure every reference element is present
- How to build detailed, accurate scoreboards
- How to create a complete and comprehensive index
- How to develop a meaningful colophon
- How to maintain theme and design consistency in ads
- How to plan and proof your index throughout production
How to Use this Resource
Each video includes a paired lesson plan, making the series easy to use for:
- Bell ringers
- Independent practice
- Skill-building work sessions
- Sub plans
- Inspiration during production
Explore the 2025 President’s Collection Training Series and start building a reference section that is accurate, organized and worthy of the stories it supports.
