Caledonia — Future writers, reporters and photographers are developing in teacher Mike Cornell’s elective courses at Caledonia High School.
Senior Madelynn Pittman, who is taking both of Cornell’s classes this semester — Broadcast Journalism & TV Production and Yearbook — is one of them.
At this year’s Homecoming football game, Madelynn and yearbook classmate junior Judah Dorband took photos of the festivities for the new yearbook website and interviewed community members and former students.
Explained Madelynn, “I asked them about their stories and learned super cool things about what it was like going to school at the old high school,” now Duncan Lake Middle School.
The same week, the district also hosted a ribbon-cutting celebration to re-dedicate the newly renovated, 75-year-old stadium, “The Ralph.”
“Lots of stories happened in the stadium, and I was just like, ‘Wow, there is a lot of history that goes on.’ It gives me goosebumps thinking about it,” Madelynn said.
Judah said interviewing community members was “cool and interesting” to hear stories other students may not have heard before.
This year, yearbook students are gathering stories and photos for the printed book and the new website to showcase students’ photography from each season: fall, winter and spring.
“I can work on my angles and how to get the photo,” Judah said. “(Mr. Cornell) makes sure our names get on our photos (in the yearbook), and makes you feel proud of your work.”
Madelynn said she learned how journalists get the story, and have to “not be afraid to get in there” to take photos in order to get the best shot.
“It makes you feel involved in the community,” she said. “People see you taking photos and want to get to know you. It’s an honor to be recognized and remembered, and (to) feel like I’m part of the community.”
New year, New Yearbook Model
Last fall, Cornell transitioned from using a national vendor to an in-house production model, and began printing the high school yearbook locally at Grandville Printing, reducing costs and environmental impact.
He said the new program reflects a shift in focus toward creativity, authenticity and in-house control over the final product. The switch also eliminated the need for advertisement sales to focus on content quality, he said.
“We are thrilled about these changes and how they will enrich the yearbook experience for our students. After many years of partnering with Jostens, we decided to take the program in a new direction that better aligns with our values.”
The program received a startup grant from the Caledonia Education Foundation to purchase a classroom set of cameras.
The yearbook’s new chronological layout showcases the school year as it unfolds and allows students to take photos and write content that captures the day-to-day life of students.
“Our goal is to give students the tools and confidence to take ownership of the yearbook’s production,” Cornell said. “Through hands-on experience, they’re learning valuable skills in photography, design and publishing, while creating something that truly reflects the spirit of Caledonia High School.”
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