Hot off the press! After a year’s worth of template making, photo taking, and summary writing, The Cannorama’s 100th edition “Look Forward” is finally here. The yearbook staff, and even the entire school, has been looking forward to cracking open a copy of the inclusive book. Although distributing the 128 page yearbooks and eight page COVID-19 spring supplements may look slightly different this year, one adviser, five editors, and 15 staff members are excited to share the finished product. 

“Look Forward” didn’t appear out of nowhere. Plans for the book began last June, while this year’s five editors—Olivia Johnson, Emma Conway, Lily Park, Sierra Banks, and Anna Becker—attended yearbook camp at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. Going into the week, the girls had a fairly good grasp on where they wanted to go with the 100th edition. “With this year’s book being the 100th edition, we knew it had to be special. Although our past is important, the future is what we need to be focused on,” Junior Editor Sierra Banks revealed. 

As the week filled with design courses, photography lectures, and writing workshops progressed, that theme of the past, present, and future was brought to life. The cover was designed; a page ladder (or detailed description of the book’s layout) was created; fonts/colors were selected. When the girls packed up and headed home, they were ready to get the rest of the club on board. 

In the fall, the yearbook staff  was introduced to the theme and a new goal: adequate coverage. Junior Editor Park stressed,  “Our goal was to create something we were 100% proud of. We aimed to incorporate more pictures and include everyone.”  The club hunkered down with their goal in mind, capturing all the sports, clubs, and special events within the 2019-20 school year. Yet, without help from one special educator, there’s no way the staff would’ve stayed on track. 

Cindy DeRosier, CF’s Media Specialist, Tech Teacher, and longtime Cannorama adviser, played a major role in producing the book. Banks emphasized, “Without Mrs. DeRosier, we literally would not have a book. She is the person we bounce ideas off of, learn from, and receive encouragement from. She also feeds our sweet tooth with refills of our candy jar and a cake after the book is done.”  

But, as always, DeRosier gives almost all of the credit to the staff: “I think what made this year’s book  special was how we tied the old and new together. The staff worked so hard to keep the book about everyone at school, not just a few people.” Because of their inclusion emphasis, the team couldn’t wait to see the student’s reactions to “Look Forward.” Under the current circumstances, however, the group had to get a bit creative. Principal Tim Hodges and DeRosier have worked closely with one another over the past couple of weeks, coming up with a safe way for students to receive their yearbooks—a drive by distribution. 

Individually bagged books can be picked up by students on their scheduled date, at their  scheduled time. Seniors can come to the front of the school on Thursday, May 21 from 4-6 p.m., while all other high school and middle school students can come on Tuesday, May 26 from 4-6 p.m. If someone wants a book and didn’t order one, a limited number of copies will be for sale. Potential buyers are asked to come during their grade’s scheduled time with $75 exactly. (Change cannot be made and the staff cannot guarantee a book will be available.) 

For Senior Editor Olivia Johnson, the event has perfect timing. “I’m very excited to actually see people. Other seniors aren’t getting the opportunity to see everyone one last time like Emma and I are, so I feel like this is just what I needed to say my final goodbye to CFHS.” Hopefully, the club’s extensive planning has Cannon Falls Schools and the community looking forward to the drive by distribution as well.