Briarcliff HS Bruin Yearbook Wins Silver

Earlier this school year, it was announced that the 2013 edition of Briarcliff High School’s yearbook, The Bruin, had received the coveted silver medal from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. The yearbook staff had worked diligently to compile an attractive, informative and well-received book.

“It was a beautiful yearbook and deserved the award,” said Briarcliff High School Principal Debora French. “The students and advisers worked tirelessly on it.”

“The top-rated yearbooks offer their readers a well-defined concept enhanced by a distinctive design and complemented by vivid writing that tells the story of the school year,” stated Edmond Sullivan, executive director of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. “These yearbooks use photography that communicates the vitality found in American high schools.”

All entries were judged by a variety of criteria, including: readability and historical accuracy; good reporting with substantive quotes, correct style and mechanics; design and photography that complement each other to present a visually attractive story of the year; and continuity of spreads.

Co-advisers Nina Marcel and Jeremy Shulman noted that this is the first year the yearbook has been submitted for competition. The 2013 yearbook staff, comprised of 10 students, was led by student co-editors Katherine Angst and Rachel Honigman, who were seniors last year.

In addition to awarding The Bruin with the silver medal certificate, the CSPA provided a comprehensive critique of the yearbook and suggested areas for improvement for the 2014 edition. “It has many qualities that are appreciated,” commented the assigned judge on the submission. “Students will look to the abundance of photos to recall 2013. There are lots of visuals with the ever-present orange and navy school colors...It was a pleasure to review [this] yearbook.”  

The 2014 Bruin co-editors are seniors Devon Levy, Olivia Gelard and Kasey Zhuravlev. Bruin co-editors attend a rigorous Yearbook Camp at Gettysburg College. Bruin staff members are enrolled in the Ready, Set, Print class and are all proficient in Adobe Photoshop and the Herff Jones e-Design application.

Devon, Olivia and Kasey, (pictured here with co-advisors Ms. Marcel and Mr. Shulman) admit that they’ve taken on an enormous responsibility. However, they feel it is well worth it, especially since it has inspired them to meet more people and learn more about the clubs and different activities at BHS. “It’s a ton of work, but it’s cool because we will all be looking at it 20 years from now,” said Devon.

The 2014 yearbooks will be distributed this spring and there is a limited amount still available for sale.