Your high school yearbook is something you will keep for the rest of your life. It is something many people treasure and look back on. Nostalgic for many, it is a reminder of the memories and moments captured in the pictures on its pages. However, for a select group of students, the yearbook represents something more than just a story. These students remember the countless hours of work, dedication, and creativity that go into every single page. These students are part of the Student Media program. This year, 30 students and Mr. Martinez are working hard to bring you the best story of the 2025–2026 school year. More than just creating a yearbook, these students are now writing for The Pitchfork Press, a newspaper by students, for students.
Many students think creating a yearbook is straightforward—a simple process of gathering photos, slapping them onto a page, and just like that, the book makes itself. This could not be further from the truth. The reality is that the Student Media team takes months to craft these pages into the perfect spreads. Student Media students are responsible for everything from theme and design to taking photos, editing, and layout; every element on the page is placed with purpose and intent. Some think it is easy work or just a filler class, but it is actually very demanding. Student Media adviser Mr. Martinez says, “It’s our job in this class to tell the story of this year from every student’s and organization’s perspective. It’s also our responsibility to stay alert to everything happening in the school so we can share all the amazing things going on.” He also emphasized the importance of advertising the program to get more students involved through articles and social media.
Furthermore, this year the Student Media program introduced The Pitchfork Press. In addition to producing the yearbook, students are now tasked with researching, writing, and publishing one article every month. The Pitchfork Press adds valuable coverage of events happening in both the school and the community. It is a great platform for students to express themselves and share their experiences. Students have the opportunity to write everything from student spotlights and show or movie reviews to school events and everything in between.
For those considering joining Student Media in the future, it is important to understand what the program truly offers. Student Media is an engaging class that allows students to develop journalistic skills and creative vision. By taking this class, students become part of an incredible team that works together to produce an award-winning yearbook and an outstanding newspaper. While many people may view Student Media as simply “yearbook,” our goal is to show that this label barely scratches the surface of the team’s responsibilities and hard work.
As a member of the Student Media team, I can say that students should expect to be actively engaged in a wide variety of activities, such as attending athletic events, taking photos, writing assignments, and designing yearbook pages. The work can be as simple as clicking a button or as challenging as spending months on a single page, only to revise it later. Whether you are trying to build photography skills, journalistic skills, or design experience, the Student Media program provides a strong platform to explore many passions and develop lifelong skills.
One of the most significant advantages of being part of this team is the opportunity to develop skills that are highly valuable in today’s world. Sophomore Emma Alvarez says, “I am very grateful to be a part of this program because I get to work with cameras. Being in this program has helped grow my passion for photography and taught me skills I will use in many areas of my life. This program has given me the opportunity to learn and grow.”
By learning journalistic techniques such as research, interviewing, and writing, students gain a solid foundation in storytelling and communication. Additionally, working with design software and photography equipment helps students develop technical skills and creative flair. These skills are not only essential for producing a high-quality yearbook but are also transferable to college, careers, and personal projects.
The most important thing the Student Media team offers is the chance to be part of a community that shares common goals and passions. Working together to produce the yearbook and The Pitchfork Press fosters teamwork and mutual respect. Students learn to rely on one another, offer support and feedback, and celebrate each other’s successes. This collaborative environment truly reflects the diversity, spirit, and stories of our Red Devil community. The program has already seen great success, with ten student journalists published in the South Lake County Sun for their photography and articles.
Keep this in mind the next time you pick up a yearbook. It is much more than a keepsake, it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all 30 students who are part of this team. Be sure to read The Pitchfork Press and follow @lhsstudentmedia on Instagram to stay up to date on all the great things our program has to offer Lowell.
