A yearbook is something that brings back memories through every page display of pictures and captions and helps us relive the past.  Upon graduating, people flip through their Yearbook to feel something that happened before.

English teacher Valerie Townsend is a prime example of someone who supports buying Yearbooks and agrees that it is worth the money.

“I feel regret with some of the hair choices that I made, but I look back at the yearbook with fondness and a smile on my face.  I had such a fun high school experience,” Townsend said.

Some things that happen are worth remembering decades afterward.  Mrs. Townsend’s yearbook was called the Torch, and she graduated from Hazelwood Central in 1989.

“My favorite memory was when we did this dance called Turnabout where the girls asked the guys, but none of the girls wanted to go with any of the guys.  So all of the girls just went together, and that usually didn’t happen.  There was no pressure to impress anyone, and we had a great time,” Townsend said.

Being the editor of such a large production, however, is not an easy task.  Senior Megan Reilly takes on this role.  She brings spirit to the yearbook community with her vibrant and fresh ideas.

“The most difficult part is that I’m only one person, which is great, but sometimes things start piling up.  It’s easy to come in on weekends and stay after school if I have too much on my plate.  It’s worth it in the end because I love the work and enjoy every minute of it,” Reilly said.

Reilly spends a few hours designing each page.  She designs every single page in the yearbook, and organizes where the pictures will go.

“I love the big idea of modular design, which is a layout that is set up so each page can be interchangeable and unique while still offering an overall consistent theme,” Reilly said.

Her most memorable moment from senior year is being the captain of Varsity Poms.  She has been in Yearbook for four years.

“This is the class that made me want to pursue graphic design.  I always knew I loved art, but I never thought I would actually do anything with it as a career.  I am going to Kansas University to major in Visual Communications in Graphic Design,” Reilly said.

What makes yearbook so special is not just the memories but also the work the yearbook staff contributes to make the book a success.

“I design all pages from scratch, which comes from thinking of a theme, choosing fonts, color scheme, while keeping in mind that the individual sections have a certain look that differs from other sections,” Reilly said.

Over 700 students purchase the PAWESEHI yearbook annually.  Yearbook sales end Apr. 15 and no additional books are ordered.  To purchase a yearbook, log onto yearbookordercenter.com.  The cost is $65.

“The yearbook is a self-supporting, student-run academic endeavor.  We aim to include every student at least twice in the book.  Every year we have students begging to buy a book once they arrive.  Unfortunately, we don’t have the funds to order extras.  I can tell you this; you don’t want to miss this edition.  It’s the best book yet,” Yearbook Advisor Debra Klevens said.