By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
The work of North Attleborough High School’s yearbook staff — months of interviews, photography and late-night layout revisions — has earned national recognition.
The school’s 2025 yearbook was selected for inclusion in “Possibilities, Volume 11,” a publication by Walsworth Yearbooks that highlights top scholastic journalism programs from across the country.
More than 6,000 yearbooks were reviewed, with only the top 10% selected based on storytelling, design, photography and cohesive theme development. NAHS was recognized in the photography and spreads category.
For co-advisors and NAHS teachers Alexandra Salisbury and Jillian Gabriel, the honor reflects both the quality of the final product and the student-driven process behind it.
“Our yearbook staff works hard each year to develop a unique theme and concept,” Salisbury said. “Being selected is a testament to the dedication and creativity of our students and their commitment to producing a fresh and engaging book each year.”
Gabriel said the recognition also brings broader visibility to work that is often celebrated within the school community.
“While students, staff and families always appreciate the work we do, it is nice to be recognized on a national level,” she said. “It highlights the dedication and creativity that go into making a high school yearbook.”
The recognition comes in a highly competitive field and reflects broader trends in student journalism, Salisbury said.
“Over 6,000 books were reviewed, and we were among the top 10% nationwide,” she said. “It reflects the high level of creativity, storytelling and professionalism present in student journalism today.”
Salisbury noted that in her four years at the school, this is the first time she has seen the yearbook recognized at this level.
A student-driven process
From concept to final print, the yearbook is largely produced by students. Each school year begins with editors brainstorming themes, developing mood boards and presenting design concepts to the full staff, which then votes on the direction of the book.
“Students have full creative control,” Salisbury said. “They make all content and design decisions, manage their teams, communicate deadlines and produce the book from cover to cover.”
That structure is supported by a team of 10 to 12 editors overseeing a staff of 35 to 40 students, with roles spanning writing, photography and design. Editors oversee specific sections — such as Academics, Sports, Events and Candid Coverage — while delegating assignments to staff members.
Students begin work in September, covering school events and building out design templates before moving into production deadlines that stretch through the winter. Because spring events occur after the book is finalized, the staff produces an additional supplement in April that is distributed over the summer.
“The staff collaborates to compile photography, writing and layouts for our first deadline in January,” Salisbury said. “We then spend the next three months completing the remaining sections, with our final deadline in late March.”
- More than a yearbook
Advisors said the experience extends beyond journalism, giving students practical skills in leadership, collaboration and time management.
“They learn to meet deadlines and rely on one another as a team, which strengthens collaboration and accountability,” Salisbury said. “They also build strong communication skills through interviewing and peer interaction.”
Gabriel said the process gives students a sense of ownership over how their high school experience is documented.
“Students are learning they can take control by crafting these pages and highlighting what makes their experience unique,” she said. “It’s about capturing moments that best exemplify high school in 2026.”
For Salisbury, the recognition underscores the level of commitment behind that work.
“This recognition is truly a reflection of our students,” she said. “They spend months designing pages, photographing events, interviewing their peers and learning the responsibility that comes with telling their community’s story.”
Walsworth President Don Walsworth praised programs like North Attleborough’s for helping shape the next generation of storytellers.
“What these students accomplish each year is remarkable,” he said. “When young journalists are supported and challenged to do their best work, they rise to that expectation.”
Debbie Cohen, the school’s yearbook representative, said the recognition reflects the staff’s consistency and attention to detail.
“This reflects the time, care and journalistic standards this staff brings to their work,” Cohen said.
When asked to describe this year’s edition, two words came to mind for the advisers: “nostalgic,” said Gabriel, noting its blend of pre-digital style with modern elements, and “handcrafted,” added Salisbury.
“It captures the personal, scrapbook-style aesthetic while reflecting the time, effort and intention behind ‘A Year in the Making,’” Salisbury said.