By Alexis McClain – August 30, 2017

After facing criticism for several problems with the most recent volume of The Log, the yearbook staff is fighting to turn their reputation around this year by switching to a different publisher, called Jostens.

“This company is the leading yearbook producer in the nation,” Christopher Long, one of the yearbook advisers, said.

The advisers and staff said they are excited about the new software they will be using as well as some other changes.

“Using what Jostens has to offer, the yearbook staff will be able to produce a 200-page book,” Long said.

In addition to a different company, there will be a new app that goes along with the yearbook.

“Some pictures, indicated by an icon, will allow you to hold your phone over the picture to view a 30-second video,” adviser Sarah Roussel said. “For example, the choir group photo would include a clip of them singing, or the football photo would include a video of them running out onto the field and breaking the banner.”

Roussel also said how she is excited to “add augmented reality” by using this app. A student on the staff said that signing day is another addition this year.

“It kinda brings us all together on that one day to be able to sign each other’s yearbooks,” staff member Taylor Guin said.

Advisers said the staff is striving to show off their Gator pride by featuring a variety of students here in the Swamp.

“We are attempting to feature every student at least two times in the book, if not more,” Roussel said.

Their goal is to create a collection of all big events that happen during the school year and to make a yearbook for all current and past students.

These yearbooks will be delivered in May and can be ordered from Roussel or the staff. They start at $60, increasing in price as the year goes on. Posters are currently hanging around the school with more information about ordering.