Congratulations to the MAST @ Homestead Yearbook team for being named a Jostens 2022 National Yearbook Program of Excellence at the silver level!
The Jostens National Yearbook Program of Excellence is a recognition program that awards school yearbook programs nationally, evaluating effective project management, inclusion, and quality. This award reflects the dedication and commitment that the yearbook staff exhibited this year.
2021-2022 was an especially difficult year for the Yearbook team, but they faced these challenges head on with the unwavering support and leadership of yearbook editor, Thalia Garcia, and co-editor, Ileana Martinez.
“Ms. Olivera not being here in the beginning of the year to teach the staff was very difficult and I had to be a little strict…I’m very proud of the work both classes have been able to accomplish!” said Thalia Garcia when asked about her experience as Yearbook Editor this year.
Despite the fact that Ms. Olivera was on maternity leave at the beginning of the school year, Ms. O and Thalia worked closely throughout the summer so that Thalia would be prepared to take the reins at the beginning of the year. With a completely new staff full of rookies, Thalia had the unprecedented task of teaching all 1st period staff members how to layout and design the yearbook. She enlisted Ileana as her co-editor, in charge of 3rd period, to spear head all marketing efforts. Together they made for an incredible team respected by all their peers.
“I could not be more proud of Thalia and Ileana and the rest of the 2022 Yearbook Staff for all the hard work they put into this year’s yearbook. These young ladies are amazing leaders and true professionals with tremendous work ethic.”
Ms. Olivera, Yearbook Advisor
Jostens’ National Yearbook Program of Excellence Awards are presented twice a year, in spring and in fall based on the yearbook’s arrival date at the school. The award was presented to the MAST @ Homestead Caduceus yearbook program for achieving defined criteria in between one and three of the following categories: creating an inclusive yearbook, generating school engagement, and successfully managing the yearbook creation process. “These schools did an exceptional job on multiple levels, despite the challenges presented by this school year.”, stated Tammy Whittaker, COO of the Yearbook Division and Jostens Vice President, “Yearbooks are a critical part of capturing and telling a school’s story, and Jostens is dedicated to supporting yearbook staff members as they do their important work.”
This year’s yearbook theme slogan is “Rising Above the Surface” and truly encapsulates MAST @ Homestead’s ability to overcome challenges and still come out on top. It’s been two years since Ms. Olivera and her yearbook staff have been able to host their ever popular distribution party, so students who purchased a copy can look forward to a luau themed celebration on Thursday, May 26th.
Once again, we are very proud of Ms. Olivera and the entire Yearbook staff for the creation of our amazing 2021-2022 yearbook, and the Silver place from the Jostens 2022 National Yearbook Program of Excellence only highlights the incredible discipline and dedication of our yearbook team!
