Recruiting Yearbook Staffs

“ We start eliminating the easy things – didn’t fully complete an application; doesn’t meet academic and attendance requirements; can’t fit it in the schedule, etc. Then we look at who is left from our list.” Marne Hade Adviser, Northwest High School Jackson, Michigan

“ Once registration is complete, we have a meet-and-greet party in the spring. At that time, I distribute editor applications.”

Emily Pyeatt-Arnold, CJE Adviser, Aledo High School Aledo, Texas

“ Students apply only for editorships. Enrollment in yearbook class is open to a point. Sixty people signed up for the yearbook class this year. We cut it to 48 based solely on English grades. Later, we make cuts based on performance at semester and suggest that these students might find another class more enjoyable/more productive/better fit.” Susan Massy Adviser, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School Shawnee, Kansas

“ For the very most part, they are selected when they’ve met criteria and enroll. Shortly after enrollment ends, I start meetings to let them know what to expect for the following year and expectations and commitments. I have a couple drop following those meetings. I don’t know if it was because of those expectations, but I got notification that they had changed classes. Even so, I figure it’s better that they drop ahead of time, rather than get into class and find out they can’t meet the expectations.” Russ Hembry Adviser, Bishop Kelley High School Tulsa, Oklahoma

Photo by Jaxon Nash

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