Julielle Avilla isn’t just putting together a yearbook. She’s crafting a time capsule, one that captures not only the big moments, but the quiet ones that make high school feel real. As editor, she’s pushing her team to go deeper, work harder, and create something that students will treasure long after graduation. Julielle is leading the yearbook team with a clear vision: make sure every student is seen.
“This year’s book is the most intentional and inclusive book we’ve created,” Julielle said. “I pushed our team to go beyond the usual ‘big moments’ and make sure we captured the students’ stories which usually slip through the cracks.”
The theme, Different Shades of You, is inspired by Andy Warhol and his use of color palettes. It’s designed to highlight students not nearly represented enough and include stories that give insight into seemingly normal peers.
“We focused on real student experiences, small moments, and the everyday things that define our school culture,” Julielle said. “Years from now I hope people will flip through these pages and remember not just the events, but the feeling of high school.”
So what does an editor-in-chief actually do?
“My day consists of leadership, creative direction, and problem solving,” Julielle said. “I check in with my section editors, review spreads, and make sure we’re on track for the deadline. I’m constantly balancing design work, photography needs, and communication with Jostens, our publisher.”
Some days she’s designing. Some days she’s troubleshooting. Some days she’s running around campus getting last-minute photos.
“It’s busy, but in the end it’s work that is purposeful,” she said.
When asked about the toughest part of creating this yearbook, Julielle doesn’t hesitate: representation.
“I’m committed to making sure every student is seen, not just the ones who are always in the spotlight,” she said. “That means rethinking layouts, pushing my team to dig deeper, and sometimes redesigning spreads at the last minute.”
The team carefully tracks coverage throughout the year, making sure they don’t repeat the same faces or groups. When deciding which photos and events to include, they ask key questions: Does it show emotion? Does it represent someone who hasn’t been seen yet?
“If the answer is yes, it goes in,” she said.
How does she include everyone while keeping the yearbook interesting?
“I treat it like storytelling,” Julielle said. “Not everyone needs a full feature, but everyone deserves to be present. We use sidebars, quotes, mini-profiles, and candid coverage to keep the book dynamic and interesting, while making sure that all students have something to look back on.”
One of Julielle’s favorite memories from this year happened at the San Antonio workshop.
“Everyone gets along and we come back stronger after each workshop,” she said. “I really loved being able to strengthen my skills as well as exploring with my editor friends. We spent all weekend taking photos, playing card games, and exploring the river walk, these are memories that I’m glad I get to look back on.”
What is she most excited about?
“I am most excited about the whole book to be honest,” she said. “I think this is one of our best yearbooks yet and we have a shot at getting the star honors award under UIL judging. I’m very excited for distribution day and seeing everyone loving the book.”
How to Get Your Copy
Cost: $100 per book (early bird pricing was $75 at the beginning of the year)
Personalized Options: Nameplates, protective covers, and personalized graphics available through the Jostens website for additional cost
Deadline: Sometime in April—yearbooks are on sale throughout the spring, but only a limited number will be available after distribution
Payment Plans: Stop by Room 1201 for details on financial assistance
Distribution: The week before finals in the lower lobby
The team is printing 1,450 books this year, an increase from last year, paid for through profits and booster club support.
Thinking about joining yearbook next year? Julielle has some advice.
“My best advice is to just do it,” she said. “Be ready to work and try your best. Yearbook isn’t just taking pictures and making cute pages. It’s about deadlines, teamwork, communication, and real responsibility. But if you care about journalism, design, photography, or leadership, this class is definitely for you.”
The most important skills?
“Curiosity, hard work, communication, and consistency,” she said. “You need to be willing to talk, asking people the tough questions, and following through the assignments. Creativity helps, but reliability matters just as much. A good staffer is someone who cares about covering real experiences and is willing to put in the work to do it to standard.”
Under Julielle’s leadership, the 2026 yearbook is more than just a collection of photos. It’s a time capsule that captures not just what happened, but who we are.
“It doesn’t just show what happened, but it shows who we are,” she said.
And that’s a yearbook worth keeping.
