The GPS yearbook, Ignite
The 2015-16 GPS yearbook, Kaleidoscope, has once again been selected for the Walsworth Publishing Company's Gallery of Excellence of top yearbooks in the country. This is the sixth consecutive book to be honored and the seventh in nine years.
Co-Editors-in-Chief of the Kaleidoscope, Mary Melissa Manuel and Caroline West, chose “Ignite” for the yearbook’s theme. “We think ignite is an apt verb to describe the resiliency and determination of every student here,” says Ms. Manuel. “On the stage, in the classroom, on the playing field, and around school, all of us are igniting change. We utilize new mediums in art class; we win games even when our opponents are older, faster, and more experienced. We develop the skills necessary to perhaps write the next great American novel or revolutionize the medical field or transform our government. GPS girls are equipped to do great things.”
In a search to find visual elements that would artistically embody the theme, they turned to the GPS crest, which features laurel leaves and a torch. “We realized that there is no better representation of ‘igniting change’ than our school’s symbol,” explained Ms. Manuel before the yearbooks were presented to the students. “We used the torch from the crest to symbolize the light that is ignited during our time at GPS. Each girl carries her own torch, not only as a symbol of her school, but also as a guide on the path to achieve her goals. She has within her the willpower to learn and succeed. The torch lit during her time at GPS stays bright through her friendships, academic skills, and character.”
Faculty advisor Jill Pieritz is stepping down after nine years working with yearbook staffs. “I am always eager for Class Day to arrive so we can share the yearbook with the whole school,” said Ms. Pieritz. “I love to see girls flipping through the pages and squealing with excitement over a picture.” New advisors are Lauren Haley and Jordan McCarter.
Others on the 2015-16 editorial staff were Haley Mull, Alyson Parris, Charlotte Whitfield, Emma Kirkpatrick, Scottie Sandlin, Katie Brandao, Kate McVay, Hannah Brotton, Margaret Lim, Meg Marshall and Reagan Sanborn. Ms. Brandao and Ms. McVay will serve as co-editors of the 2016-17 book and have already been working behind the scenes to share ideas on what they hope will be their own Gallery of Excellence winner.