Reward the yearbook staff with a year-end party

As your work on this year’s yearbook wraps up, it’s a good time to think about how you can honor the staff – acknowledge all their hard work and provide some inspiration to the staffers who will be returning next year. A great way to do that is with a year-end party.

You don’t necessarily have to break the bank and spend a lot of money, either. But there are several things to keep in mind.

Mood/Attire

You can make this event as casual or as formal as you want. Match it to the personality of your staff. Maybe you want to have a semi-formal awards banquet where the staff gets a little dressed up, or maybe you just want to have a casual party.

Location

There are several options for where to hold your year-end party. You could reserve the gym or cafeteria at school, or maybe someone on staff has a parent who works at a restaurant where you can reserve a room. A room at the local country club or church could be an option too.

Food

Your food options could be anything from a potluck, prepared by the staff or parents, or catered by a restaurant.

Decorations

If this event is do-it-yourself at school, be sure to use pictures of the staff taken throughout the year. If you have the time, create a simple video or image presentation that can be shown at the party.

Invitations

Make nice invitations for staff members, parents, school administrators, your yearbook rep, and anyone else who should be included.

Awards

Certificates made up for special staff honors should be created. A few gag gifts might be fun as well. For senior staff members who are going to college, you might purchase some special going-away gifts.