Figuring out a multitude of design elements, advisor Kassidy Hart, senior Taya Thaden, and senior Shibu Sharma finalize which fonts, colors, and content they want to see throughout the yearbook. The editor-in-chief works closely with the advisor, section editors, managing editors, and yearbook representative from Walsworth to ensure the staff meets deadlines and expectations.
“My role for the yearbook this year is editor-in-chief,” Thaden said. “My job is to help everyone along, make final decisions about the stylesheet, and how we can carry the theme throughout.”
For the last 16 years, the Prowler, Catalyst, and MWHS Wildcat News were all led by sophomore assistant principal Mark Hilburn. At the beginning of this year, two new, experienced, and eager teachers stepped into these roles. Every day, they bring their expertise and passions to class, giving the program a rejuvenated feel.
As a young adviser full of fresh ideas, it can be overwhelming to take control of a highly decorated program on a whim. This was a daunting task for yearbook adviser Kassidy Hart, but she’s learning quickly that she was given lots of tools and resources to set her up for success.
“Millard West journalism has won plenty of awards throughout the years when Hillburn was leading it, and I’m nervous that this will be something I fall short of,” Hart said. “I have had to give myself some grace as I’m still getting acclimated to the environment and changes, reminding myself that this is my first year ever doing something like this. It’s a learning process, and I have to be okay with making mistakes, because I believe that’s the best way you learn.”
As the right-hand man to the adviser and the one to catch all questions from the staff, the editor-in-chief has a huge role to take on.
On top of the responsibilities that come with the class, they have to do additional planning of long-term goals like deadlines and the appearance of the book. Senior Shibu Sharma is excited to help everyone bring this year’s yearbook to life.
“I’m excited to build our book and introduce a lot of new ideas,” Sharma said. “We’re intentionally moving away from previous styles, which opens up new opportunities for creativity and awards. If we can completely revamp our book under a new teacher and still compete successfully, I think that’s really impressive.”
The editor-in-chief can’t do this all alone; Junior, managing editor Lainey Reynolds uses her knowledge to help keep everyone on task. No editor position is a small one, and without these dedicated students, the journalism program couldn’t flourish as it does.
“I am using my leadership role to better the journalism program by keeping everyone on track and helping everyone get the work done efficiently and effectively,” Reynolds said. “I am also setting an example for others by completing my work and sharing my ideas with everyone.”
Despite all the changes, the Prowler is heading in the right direction to remain as successful as it has been in the past.
The journalism legacy could be an intimidating one to proceed with, but it’s proven to be nothing short of amazing.
Reminder to all seniors: Senior tributes and pictures are due Nov. 7.
