Judge’s Comments

Jim Grim, judge • Division I
Hanover Central High School
Edition judged: The Key 2003

Contemporary mix of photography, attractive design packaging, and impressive coverage to present the Hanover Center H.S. student experience of 2002-03.

Of special note is use of appropriate student quotes in captions, attractive spot color throughout, contemporary-style large initial letters in body copy, and group shots actually with their coverage spreads (not group-ganged on a separate spread elsewhere for the reader to find). Eye-catching caption lead-ins, impressive individual clubs copy coverage, attractive/ clean/unobtrusive scoreboards, and a complete index round out notable packaging achievements.

While the initial judge noted some “posed” photography content throughout, such unique use could aptly reflect the theme of this particular yearbook, “What’s in it for Me?” The theme begins with a clever, personalized photo of each student on the cover and, throughout, appropriately unifies this yearbook. Body cutouts that also begin on the cover augment impressive coverage design elements in this book.

The six students and adviser involved in the production of this outstanding yearbook should be proud of their collaborative achievement. They took the basics of good scholastic yearbook journalism to the next level in producing a truly attractive 2003 The Key. Congratulations.