Earlier in the year, some yearbook staff members wondered what was in store for next year. What could they do? It seemed like everything had been done in the previous years and there was nothing that could potentially improve the yearbook. More specifically, the future yearbook staff struggled with deciding on a new theme.

Each year, the book is centered on a specific theme; for example, last year’s was “speak,” essentially focusing on giving everyone in the school a voice. Themes were also required to reflect on the upcoming school year and the school itself. Annandale High School is widely recognized as being diverse.

Even though it is an incredible feat to have, the co-editor-in-chiefs were tired of focusing on how diverse the school is. The school is more than just being diverse, and that needed to be the focus of the book. Instead, the new theme revolves around the many perspectives that exist within the school. Why should the yearbook only feature one perspective that was always positive? Our main goal was to provide more coverage so that more people could be featured in the book. Instead of focusing on the Annandale Hype Squad, why not interview other people? Why do some students go or not go to the football games? The idea was to get out of focus from what everyone knows or feels, and focus on the outside perspective, providing a unique approach to Annandale High School. Everyone’s point of view matters, so “Out of It” was created.

Along with the new theme, the yearbook needed to break out of its standards. With that, many new features are being introduced that aid in modernizing the book. The biggest feature added is the inclusion of videos. By using the Aurasma app found via the App Store or Google Play, students are able to point their phone/tablet cameras at photos and witness videos of certain events or interviews appear before them. This allows the book to provide more coverage as well as utilize technology like never before. This also extends to signatures with Yearbook Shout, where students record videos for their friends and stick QR codes into their book.

The new yearbook is also incorporating new forms of writing unlike past editions. Copies now flow like stories where it focuses on one specific event, where a wide variety of perspectives are presented. Gone are the generic “we are a family” responses for more personal, and interesting thoughts and stories.

Many seniors wondered why senior quotes were never in previous editions of the yearbook. In order to prevent another incident from happening that involved something inappropriate being featured in the book, a modified version of senior quotes will be included in this year’s book. Students will be able to reflect on their four years of high school by sharing memories or give college advice to their peers. Not every reflection will be physically featured in the book. The usage of Yearbook 3D will aid in featuring as many people as possible. In addition, continuing once again this year are the highly requested Senior Superlatives that will be voted by the Senior class later in the year.

“Out of It” is meant to redefine the yearbook. New changes are being made to the book in order to make it nothing like ever before. Along with the incoming front cover shoot happening during the first home game, many surprises are still unannounced. It is time to break out of the standards and create a truly, different book.