By Andrea Bello-Calixto
Seniors, finally it is our time to shine. We get all the fun activities we have been dreaming about for the last four years. The photos are in and the yearbook is being created as you read this. One thing that the yearbook staff has made available this year, different than in previous years, is the ability to retake the photos. On November 14 and 15, the yearbook photographer retook photos for those students who were not satisfied with the results of the first photo.
The ability to retake photos has been something that students have wanted for some time, but it was always difficult to bring about. This year though, they are early with the picture taking and so there was time for the retakes. Students who did the retakes (or just missed the first take) were able to pay the $10 fee and get a new set of photos.
Imagine if the first time, you were wearing braces, or you just had a bad day. This was a chance to get it fixed before the yearbook is printed and then you, and everyone else, is stuck with a bad photo FOREVER.
Some students took some criticism for their decision to get their photos redone, but it is important to note that these pictures will be the ones that will be in the yearbook. This is the place that will be your image from high school forever. Who wants to pull out their yearbook to show their kids how cool they were in high school, only to see a fuzzy picture of you with braces, or a weird smile, or a bad haircut. So maybe critics should relax with the criticisms and just let people be happy with the photo they are going to have in the book.
It is tough to get everyone to like the results of the pictures. One student, who wishes to remain anonymous, said, “I wish there was more diversity in the photo poses.” She went on to say that they all seem so basic. She went on to say, “The poses were so common and I wanted me and my fellow classmates of 2024 to stand out and not look basic.” I am not sure what could have been done to make yearbook photos different, but I am sure that the yearbook staff would be open to suggestions. Better yet, join the staff to bring out your creative side.
The moral of the story is this: do not just complain about something you think is not up to the high standards you have set for school activities. Get involved and make things better and more to your liking. If you do not want to join the yearbook staff, you can go to a senior class meeting, or join the student council. The only way anything will be improved is if you take part and be the change you want to see.
That being said, I think that the photos will be great and you will enjoy the yearbook forever. Make sure you get one soon. They are $82, but they last forever. What else will you use to show your kids how cool you were in high school?
