We Call the Shots

Skylar Couture, Editor of “The Flashback,” on her Favorite Tradition— Yearbook Distribution Day

I came to Cannon School in third grade and my favorite day has never changed—Yearbook Distribution Day. Generally held in May, Distribution Day is when the yearbook theme is revealed through an all-school assembly, and everyone receives their copy. Each year is a little different, but the occasion usually begins with an introduction of the yearbook staff, then a video which reveals the book’s theme, then a dedication to teachers and a staff member who have been selected by our community.

Sitting on the floor of Boswell Gym from third grade to freshman year, Distribution Day always had the same feeling for me—nostalgia. Watching the event play out before me, I realized how important it is to have a time capsule, a physical manifestation of our memories at Cannon.

You Make the Year, We Make the Book

I knew I wanted to make sure I remembered every moment and have the opportunity to share this with future generations of Cougars. So, I decided to become part of the process, a member of the team that got to stand in front of the school and see the excitement on each student’s face. I registered for the yearbook class (many people don’t realize that because our yearbook is such a quality piece, we receive credit and time to work on it is built into our day’s schedule) and got to work.

I quickly learned that our staff, which is currently a combination of sophomore, junior, and seniors, is ambitious, meticulous, and purposeful. But until then, I never fully understood the amount of dedication and hard work that goes into creating this publication. Starting in May of the previous school year and until April of the current school year, the staff is working non-stop. Each year the book has a different theme that encapsulates our year in a captivating and interesting way. Once the theme has been decided, the staff works closely with senior AP studio art students to create the cover art, the most memorable identifier of each book. After the theme is decided, fonts and colors chosen, and a vision for the cover created, we start on page one. As a staff, we prioritize capturing moments at Cannon that make it what it is. From Lower School’s spirit days to Upper School sports events, our photography team is there to capture the aspects of our school that are meaningful to every student.

Another aspect we focus on, and try to improve each year, is our coverage report. Our yearbook coverage report reflects the number of students that are covered in the yearbook three or more times. Inclusion in the yearbook is not a big deal to everyone, but the number one priority for our staff is to include as many people as possible, best representing the diversity of our campus.

One of the hardest parts about the process, aside from creating the book, is keeping the theme a secret. Working so closely to a project, the excitement and anticipation makes you want to show everyone what you’ve created. I appreciate and admire the staff’s ability to keep this secret and the tradition of revealing it on Yearbook Distribution Day.

Our staff works with internal and external deadlines that keep us on our timeline to have all copies on campus and each page in every book checked before they go to the student body. Usually when you turn something in late or don’t get something done, it only affects you. In this case, turning in something late pushes back the entire publication. At Cannon School, that results in 1,244 people without a yearbook. We work with the end goal in mind, to provide our community with something tangible to remember the year.

Y(Our) Story

In my third year on staff, I stepped into the role of editor. In this capacity, I have learned to communicate with the staff and lead by example. I have learned this from the editors before me, whom I look up to, and credit them with improving the book each year. They have helped create a culture of a school that values the yearbook and truly uses it as a time capsule for years to come. I have also been able to use yearbook as a creative outlet and give back to the community through this publication.

Over the years, our staff has faced many challenges regarding the logistics and communication of this project. Although it is always a work in progress, I speak for the staff in saying that we have learned to combine ideas and create the best solution.

The publication would not be made possible without our supportive advisors, Mrs. Kaitlin Bumgarner, Mrs. Mary Beth Westgarth-Taylor, and Ms. Michelle Zelaya. Also lending a hand include our Jostens representative, Mrs. Allison Klopp, the leadership team, and our staff. I am inspired by them and pushed to make each issue better than the last.

As this year comes closer to the end, I fondly remember the feeling of receiving my yearbook in third grade up until freshman year. I look forward to the theme being revealed and our hard work paying off. Last year, I was given the opportunity to present the Middle School dedication to my favorite childhood teacher—an honor that really embodied all our hard work paying off. This year, as a senior, I imagine I’ll feel even more pride.