The school year is going to be over before we know it! Make sure to order your yearbook very soon. Currently the price is $76 and will go up one dollar starting April 12. I had the opportunity to ask our yearbook advisor, Mrs. Genareo, a few questions about her role in creating the yearbook every year for New Castle.
- What made you want to be the yearbook advisor?
The opportunity to become the yearbook advisor actually came to me by administration. I had previously been a four-year member as well as editor-in-chief of my school newspaper in high school, so considering that I had previous writing and graphic design experience, I felt I had the necessary skills to step up to the task. I identified areas where we could improve, and I saw the potential of what NC’s yearbook could be, so I made it my goal to make that happen.
- How long does it take to fully finish the yearbook?
The yearbook is an 11 month job from start to finish. Each year we begin by distributing the previous year’s edition in August, then we begin working on the new issue when school starts. The finalized draft is sent to the publisher at the end of June.
- Are there any challenges in your role or with creating the yearbook?
We always face various challenges and strive to overcome them accordingly. Time management, coordination and communication, content collection, budget constraints, and approval processes are the largest challenges.
- What is your favorite part about being able to work on the yearbook?
I enjoy seeing the final product and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. I also love seeing the positive reactions from students, parents, staff, and administration after the yearbook is distributed. It’s a great honor to me that I get to leave my stamp on New Castle history. I have yearbooks that date all the way back to the early 1900s. One day when I’m no longer yearbook advisor, or even a teacher at New Castle, my mark on district annals will live on.
- What advice would you give to students that want to participate in the class/club?
My advice to future members is to be aware of the commitment that being on the yearbook staff entails. Students not only participate in the production of the high school yearbook, but they must also sell advertisements to companies in the community, attend events, keep accurate records, photograph various activities and events, design layouts of pages, write captions, and input photos, artwork, and designs.
- How do you choose everything that is included in each yearbook?
When I took over as advisor, I came up with an outline for the yearbook that includes seven major sections: seniors, activities, sports, organizations, underclassmen, administration, faculty, and ads. We are always limited with space, so we try to fit in any “extras” as best we can.
- What’s your vision for the future of the New Castle yearbooks?
My vision each year is to make the yearbook better than the previous year. The program has come a long way from when I first took over in 2021, and I’d like the sales to start reflecting that.
