Bridgeport High School’s Yearbook staff has a longstanding tradition of working long hours, even after seniors have graduated. They meticulously document every milestone, whether it be athletic, academic, theatrical, musical, or simply reflections of everyday life at BHS. They compile these memories onto creatively designed pages and produce award-winning yearbooks that students can cherish throughout their lives.

 

This year, however, the yearbook staff was faced with some unforeseen challenges that will bring forth an unconventional, but not inferior, version of the yearbook.  The 79^thvolume of Ki-Cu-Wa is titled, “In Focus.” It’s cover artwork was designed by BHS senior Demi DiPiazza. Co-Editors, Hannah Povroznik and Madison Seti, have teamed up to create a one-of-a-kind version of the yearbook that will preserve memories of student accomplishments and opportunities while also embracing the historical impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The editors made a seamless transition to working from home using school computers and online software designed for the yearbook. Along with yearbook advisor Brad Bonenberger, they have worked with the yearbook publishing site, school administrators and staff and had weekly conference calls in order to finalize submissions.

 

The adage, “Modern problems require modern solutions,” comes into play as the team has overcome technical issues, collaborated on creative layouts, had to reduce the volume of the yearbook by 20 percent, and, of course, had a world-wide pandemic to deal with. Because of these issues, the yearbook will look a little different this year, featuring 30 fewer layouts than the typical count, omissions include club pictures, girls and boys track, softball, JV basketball, baseball and tennis. Because of the cancellation of prom, that layout will also be omitted.

 

“Although we have faced several challenges, we are focusing on positive aspects of the 2019-2020 school year, highlighting the student accomplishments, opportunities and fun we have had together,” Seti said. “We have created a publication we can be proud of.”

 

Noting the historical impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the editors have included a spread dedicated to the event.  

 

“We are featuring images of testing centers, Card My Yard inspirational messages, local community involvement related to the quarantine and student quotes capturing the thought and opinions of how lives were affected during this time,” Povroznik said. “We also plan to include graduation and may include senior parade pics among other layouts in the yearbook.”

 

Throughout the pandemic, orders for the yearbook have continued, with over 200 on order as of this week. The deadline for ordering was May 15, but additional copies may be available when they arrive in the fall. The BHS Homepage has ordering details and costs.

 

Pavroznik has worked with the BHS journalism department all four years of high school, giving a nod to former yearbook advisor Alice Rowe for instilling in her the passion for designing and creating a yearbook. Seti joined the team a little later, but has been equally invaluable in the process of developing the yearbook. The two teamed up as co-editors and have committed to 

making sure that the yearbook captures the journey of success and the unusual circumstances this year’s class experienced.  

 

“It has taken a team of imaginative minds and hard workers to write history and document it into a beautiful keepsake for future generations to reflect upon,” Povroznik said. “We are proud to be a part of this process and can’t wait for families to enjoy the end result next fall.”