‘Notebook’ closes cover on latest yearbook as staff reflects on growth
As the school year winds down and students scramble to get everything done, ACT’s, school field trips, and exams are coming in hot. The end of the year also ignites the rush to finish the school yearbook on time. While Notebook appears to be laid back, there is a tremendous amount of effort put towards making the yearbook. The students of Notebook focus on teamwork, creativity, and time management skills as they create their own schedules and meet deadlines. Students sharpen their journalism skills as they interview peers and gain insight on the diversity of student life.
English teacher and new advisor Nicole Beck has been striving to improve the club during the 2024-2025 school year. Taking responsibility after former advisor Amy Karoses moved schools, Beck has felt the pressure of meeting expectations in an existing club.
“At first, it was a bit nerve-wracking because this is a publication that will be printed for everyone to see, forever,” she said.
While the school misses a dearly loved teacher, Beck is more than ready to provide leadership for students.
“Mrs. Karoses really did set me up for success. I feel so fortunate to have worked alongside her and have watched her lead the class during my first three years here,” she said. “She also trained me toward the end of last year, which helped with the transition. Since she’s also working on the yearbook at her new school, we always compare notes and pages.”
It’s not just the students who balance busy schedules. Beck also feels the pressure of maintaining a work-life balance. Her love for many activities keeps her motivated throughout the school year.
“Honestly, I don’t always balance everything perfectly. This year, I’ve taken on a lot, teaching, coaching, managing social media, overseeing the yearbook, organizing prom, running multiple clubs, and more. But I do it because I love it,” she said. “I firmly believe that when I stop enjoying something, I’ll know it’s time to step back. Right now, I look forward to these responsibilities every day. I also feel fortunate to work with so many amazing students and colleagues.”
Although schedules can be packed with activities and hard work, there are rewarding aspects to creating a project like the yearbook. Beck focuses on student-lead management in order to embrace the creativity of her staff.
“I love the creativity and the unstructured nature of it. It’s a great opportunity for students to develop skills they’ll need in future classes and careers, like managing their own schedules/projects and finding their own resources,” she said. “My favorite part of teaching has always been forming connections with students, and this class is the perfect way to do that. It’s always a great way to end my day and reminds me why I love what I do.”
While Beck has the title of advisor, the students hold each other accountable and take on their own responsibilities to ensure that expectations are being met. Senior editor-in-chief, Sarai Barcenas, has a long list of responsibilities that come with her role.
“I’m responsible for filling in for others who can’t complete their task, as well as being a support person to help people finish their tasks. I’m kind of just here to help out and be a supporting, leading role,” she said. “I’m in charge of keeping track of pages, teaching people how to use the website, and if people are struggling I can reach out to them. Overall, just being an example of what people in leadership roles should be.”
At times, Barcenas experiences the pressure of taking on such a big role, but overall she is able to find balance because of her dependable group of peers.
“It can be stressful at times, because I’m busy with my other classes and having to focus on this class as their leader is a really big role, but it’s thanks to the cooperative students and the great people who are always on task and Mrs. Beck,” she said. “I’m grateful for all of them because they’re making this job easier.”
Being allowed more free reign means students have to be self advocates and understand their individual responsibilities. Senior photographer, Kenji Lo, lays out his specific duties.
“My responsibilities are taking care of my camera and making sure to attend concerts and games,” he said.
While being an editor-in-chief, Barcenas was able to work and effectively communicate with her group to get things done. After two years spent in yearbook she learned new skills and life lessons she can carry into her future.
“Overall, I have learned how important it is to be on task and to find a way to organize your work, agenda, and being responsible, and taking authority to what you need to do. No one else is going to help do it but yourself,” she said.
Like any subject, different skills can be learned from Notebook. Along with creating meaningful projects, Lo has gained a sense of pride.
“I now take photos a lot better– where I want to take photos, what I want to look for in photos. I take pride in the music spread I made this year, or even the photos I took as of last year. I thought the photos turned out really well. But I think this year, I’m really proud of the photos,” he said.
A large part of what makes a great high school experience is the memories a group of people can create together. Even as she worked hard, Barcenas was able to find the fun in busy days.
“My favorite memory is driving to Appleton to get food for our first after school meeting. I thought it was funny because everyone was kind of bored out of their mind, wanting to leave, but I just loved being there. Being part of it, because I knew this would help us get a lot of work done,” she said. “Another favorite memory is making slime. I just love the moments of being busy but also balancing it out and having fun.”
by Adele Faust
Published March 17th, 2025
Oshkosh West Index Volume 121 Issue VI