Knightly News

Few things capture the spirit of a school like a yearbook. Whether graduation was recent or decades ago, flipping through those pages brings back the trends, moments and memories that last a lifetime. Who is better able to share that story than the students living it? With that in mind, Yearbook Advisor and art teacher Veronica Hallock issued a call for interested Middle School students to join the new Middle School Yearbook Club. The response was overwhelming, with more than 40 students signing up. In fact, there are so many Middle School students involved that Hallock meets with them separately by grade level.

Hallock says the goal of the new club is to create school spirit, foster a sense of belonging and encourage students to explore new things. With such a tremendous response, it’s clear that Middle School students already have spirit when it comes to their division. “I was interested in joining the new yearbook club because I wanted to learn more about photography and to be able to show the school the amazing things we do in Middle School,” says eighth grader Ada Mere. That school spirit will only build as students select a range of activities to highlight. At a recent brainstorming session, they suggested everything from pep rallies and softball to Youth Legislature and the school play.

Hallock says the yearbook club is also a place where students can “find their home on campus.” As students work together, they develop relationships and a shared identity as club members. In addition, Hallock and Upper School yearbook students have found that creating a yearbook establishes a community of service as they share photos with others and provide parents with a snapshot of their child’s life at school. Upper School yearbook student Charlotte Spring is mentoring her Middle School classmates. “What I enjoy most about the yearbook is knowing that I am giving back to the Episcopal community and helping create a fantastic book that people look back on and see their school days and how much fun it was,” she says. “I also hope they gain some school spirit and enjoy giving back to the Episcopal community.”

As a yearbook club member, there is much to gain from exploring new things. “I enjoy writing because it’s a creative way to use your imagination,” says Ada. “Photography is a little bit new to me however I’m looking forward to these clubs so I will be able to learn more about it and to apply this knowledge.” Hallock and Charlotte will teach students to frame subjects and tell a story with a photograph. In addition to camera and computer skills, students will learn Adobe InDesign and Photoshop. Hallock says they will also strengthen their problem-solving skills, learn to interact with others and develop a sense of responsibility for their assignments.

Tremendous time and effort go into creating each year’s “Accolade,” and a Middle School Yearbook Club is an exciting addition to the team. “Middle School can start showcasing themselves,” says Hallock with enthusiasm. They will provide a “slice of life for Middle School.” No doubt, students will showcase the Spirit of Episcopal that makes the school such a special place.

We can’t wait to see the story the Middle School team tells. Do you have a favorite Middle School experience you’d like to see highlighted? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2024-2025 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.