For the past decade, Mrs. Mannion has been the main force behind Goffstown High School’s yearbook, managing the process and guiding students as they capture the spirit of Goffstown High. What started as an unexpected opportunity when another teacher left turned into a passion project for Mannion.
“I got involved because a teacher quit, and I had an open period,” Mrs. Mannion recalls. “It was a lot of learning at first, but I got better at figuring it out. The first three or four years were the roughest, but now it’s a smoother process.”
Over the years, Mannion has learned the art of yearbook creation, from learning to navigate deadlines to mastering the complicated planning process. “We always start with the cover, then move on to the theme and portraits. Sports and clubs come next, and we try to capture what happens throughout the year,” she explains. Even with the experience, some challenges remain such as meeting deadlines which Mannion admits is the most difficult part. “The deadlines never end.”
When it comes to the evolution of the yearbook, Mannion notes that the core concept has stayed the same but there are personal touches from the students. “Some classes really care about the yearbook, while others take it just to get a credit,” she says. “But I love the personal touches that come through each year.”
Her favorite yearbook was in 2019, because it was a special year. “It was my kids’ year, and the two editors were so dedicated. It was pretty much their book, and I was really proud of it.”
For Madison Brown, a senior who is in yearbook, joining was a chance to try something new. “I needed to fill a space in my class schedule, and I hadn’t taken yearbook before, so I thought I’d give it a try,” she says.
“My favorite part has been putting together the pictures for the sports I’m in because I know what my people would want it to look like,” Brown shares. “I’ve developed skills like time management, organization, and spacial awareness. It’s been a great learning experience.”
As Mrs. Mannion wraps up her 10th year leading the yearbook, she tells me what has kept her going: the students. “The most rewarding part is definitely the interaction with the students,” she says. “They bring the energy and creativity, and that’s what makes the yearbook so special every year.”
