The Blaze Yearbook adviser, Michelle Corbett, submitted the 2023-2024 “On Our Way” yearbook to the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) during the month of June for a judge to critique. On September 24, Corbett received the critique score and judge’s comments and shared it with the staff. The fully annotated book along with a plaque titled “All-American” with four marks of distinction arrived a few weeks later. She presented them to the staff in October.
“I knew last year’s book was good, but I was shocked when I opened the critique feedback and saw our score,” Corbett said. “This is the first time in school history the yearbook has received this ranking from NSPA and I was not expecting it. Each year the staff sets higher and higher standards for themselves and they just keep blowing past them. I am truly amazed and proud of what they have accomplished.”
On Oct. 1, Corbett stopped her fourth period yearbook class for an announcement. With students surrounding her desk, she removed the familiar yearbook and an unexpected wooden plaque from a package. After a few moments of silence and observation, cheers of excitement sounded in the room. Paging through and reading every footnote, the staff took into account all of their mistakes and imperfections that they could improve on for this year. Juliana Mora (12) felt that, being the Editor in Chief, she needed to encourage her staff members more.
“Based on the critique, we’ve already been working a lot harder to improve and reach further towards the goals we set,” Mora said.
Unfortunately, the seniors who were a part of the “On Our Way” staff did not get to indulge in the celebrations in person. Graduated Editor in Chief, Brenna Jasniewski, was in her dorm room when she answered a FaceTime call from Mora.
“When I first got the call, I was surprised,” Jasniewski said. “It feels amazing to get All-American and I definitely want to thank everyone on our staff last year because it wouldn’t have been possible without all of us working together. My advice to the staff this year is to communicate. With everyone’s ideas and creativity working together, it could definitely take added stress away.”
