In 1987, President Ronald Reagan declared the week of October 4 (October 5th this year) National Yearbook Week! In his proclamation, he stated,
“School yearbooks not only chronicle educational achievement and school tradition but are a part of them. For nearly two centuries American students have produced yearbooks to commemorate the accomplishments of the school year and to compose a lasting record, written and pictorial, of campus, classmates, teachers, and school staff.
In later years, alumni treasure their yearbooks for the memories they hold of times gone by and friends of long ago. The students who compile yearbooks likewise treasure all that the experience can teach them about teamwork and about writing, the graphic arts, and business skills. The practical cooperation and specialization that students learn in yearbook production stand them in good stead when they enter college or pursue other opportunities.”
He then called upon all Americans to “observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”
So here are 5 ways you can celebrate National Yearbook Week:
- Kick off your yearbook sales this week
- Dig up the oldest school yearbooks you can find from your school and put them out on display.
- Collect old yearbook photos of the staff and display them without names, so students can guess who’s who
- Give a special discount for yearbooks bought this week and wear your staff t-shirts to spread the word
- Have a special staff party “just because”
Whatever you do, take a moment to congratulate you and your staff for being such an integral part in creating your school’s memories!