Jostens, the leading producer of yearbooks and student-created content, announced last week Whitesboro High School’s (WHS) yearbook program has achieved the Jostens 2023-2024 National Yearbook Program of Excellence award at the Gold Level.
The National Yearbook Program of Excellence recognizes engaging yearbooks that reflect a broad representation of the student body while helping students develop 21st century skills such as communication, collaboration and information and communication technologies (ICT) literacy.
Whitesboro’s award-winning yearbook program is led by Ireland Lawler, editor, and staff members Ada Pierson, Alexis Bingham, Kaleah Debord, Jace Glenn, Alejandra Hercules, Emma Hancock, Harmony Shelton and Lauren Culligan under the direction of Tonya Harper, Whitesboro High School yearbook adviser.
“I couldn’t be prouder—or more shocked—by this award. The students worked diligently to bring to life the story of WHS for the ‘23-‘24 year and learned so much about journalism and storytelling put together. This year’s staff is hoping to bring a repeat banner and award home to WHS with the version of THE OAK they are creating now.”
Jostens’ National Yearbook Program of Excellence Awards are presented twice a year, in spring and in fall, based on the yearbook’s arrival date at the school.
The award was presented to the WHS yearbook program for achieving defined criteria in between one and three of the following categories: creating an inclusive yearbook, generating school engagement and successfully managing the yearbook creation process.
“Jostens is proud to recognize those individuals who have created an exceptional yearbook for their school and community,” said Tammy Whitaker, Jostens VP and COO Yearbook Division.
“These schools did an exceptional job on multiple levels, despite the challenges presented by this school year. Yearbooks are a critical part of capturing and telling a school’s story, and Jostens is dedicated to supporting yearbook staff members as they do their important work.”
Founded in 1897, Jostens has produced school yearbooks for over 60 years.
Schools rely on Jostens and their local representatives to provide a combination of journalism education and technology tools to deliver a learning experience that helps students develop 21st century skills in journalism, photography, writing and design, leadership and business while creating the permanent record of the school year.
Jostens invests in state-of-the-art technology, best in class service, educational curriculum and award winning print manufacturing platforms to plan, design, build and produce yearbooks.