Creating Yearbook Memories: Reframing Our Story

By Alex Prodoehl '22, Communications Apprentice
April 14, 2021

While each new year presents its own idiosyncratic set of challenges, this year was unique in that it impacted the entire world: a global pandemic. Everyone was significantly impacted, and Yearbook was no exception. How is one supposed to go about creating a Yearbook during a global pandemic? The issue was not making the year memorable, but, rather capturing enough events for the Yearbook. Events once taken for granted have become the highlights of the year.  

Due to the implementation of a hybrid learning model in the beginning of the 2020-21 school year, we were required to find creative ways to overcome the challenges that the pandemic presented. 

By adapting to the changes this year, quintessential Yearbook preparations that were once in-person meetings became virtual meetings, and a surplus of photos for spreads became a deficit. With these changes, we were required to create new spreads that directly related to this peculiar year. For example, the class created a spread writing to COVID-19 and its impact on the students this year—especially the seniors. Rather than ignoring the pandemic’s impact, we reflected upon its effects, whether it brought about sanguine or pessimistic reactions. Instead of creating the Yearbook in a similar way to what was done in previous years, we were able to evolve with the current challenges and adapt. 

This year, we were encouraged to think creatively and realize that some of the most seemingly simple things were the most important to capture—whether it be spending time with family,  acquiring a new hobby, wearing masks, or zooming in for classes. While these activities have been normalized this year due to the pandemic, it is strange to look back at 2019 and see the plethora of changes from that time to now.  

Documenting the myriad changes this year, this year’s Yearbook will become one of the most memorable.  

Alexandra Prodoehl '22 is a Communications Apprentice. She is involved in Mock Trial, enjoyed working for Sweet Martha's Cookies at the 2019 State Fair, and has taken writing courses at the Loft Literary Center in addition to her classes at CDH. She hopes to pursue a career that involves writing.