For the trio of Mya McGee, Parker Russell, and Hattie Castleman, the Centralia High School yearbook isn’t just a collection of photographs and captions—it’s a living document of shared memories, a tangible reflection of their community and school spirit.

“We’re responsible for curating the moments that our classmates will look back on for years to come,” says Mya, a senior who joined the yearbook team for the first time this year. “That’s a big deal, and we take it seriously.”

The team operates under the guidance of yearbook advisors Mary Heltsley and Jordan Coffey, coordinating the efforts of 12 dedicated students. From sports games to school events, each member takes on assigned roles, covering different aspects of school life. This year’s yearbook theme, inspired by Instagram, brings a fresh, modern aesthetic to the project, connecting past traditions with current trends.

As juniors, Parker and Hattie are seasoned members of the team, having joined the yearbook staff during their sophomore year. “Being part of this team has pushed me to get involved in activities I wouldn’t normally attend,” Parker says. “I’ve photographed sports I’ve never played and met classmates I wouldn’t have known otherwise.”

For Hattie, the joy lies in the process of storytelling through images. “It’s about taking what we see and turning it into something everyone can enjoy,” she explains. “The yearbook is a way to connect people, even years down the road.”

The team uses advanced tools like Jostens Yearbook Avenue to design their 144-page publication. The software streamlines the process, allowing members to log in, assign pages, and upload photos. “It’s collaborative but also very organized,” says Hattie. “We know who’s responsible for each page, which helps us stay on track.”

Their photography journey has taken them from the sidelines of soccer fields to golf courses, exposing them to new experiences and challenges. “I never thought I’d find myself at a golf match, but here I am,” Mya laughs. “It’s given me a newfound respect for the patience and skill those athletes have.”

Beyond technical skills, the yearbook team fosters a deeper appreciation for their school and community. Despite occasional frustrations about small-town life, the students recognize the tight-knit bonds that make Centralia special. “We know each other here,” says Mya. “You can walk into Walmart and run into half your classmates. That’s something you don’t get in bigger places.”

For Parker, the yearbook offers a chance to celebrate these connections. “It’s easy to take our community for granted, but working on the yearbook reminds me of how much we have to be proud of,” he says.

The yearbook’s impact extends far beyond its pages. For Mary Heltsley, it’s about teaching responsibility and the value of teamwork. “These students are curating 144 pages of memories, and they only meet once a week for 25 minutes,” she says. “What they accomplish is extraordinary.”

As graduation approaches, Mya reflects on the significance of her involvement. “This is my last year at Centralia High School, and working on the yearbook has been a way to soak it all in,” she says. “It’s a way to give back, to make sure this chapter of our lives is remembered.”

For the students of Centralia High School, the yearbook is more than a keepsake—it’s a testament to their shared journey, crafted by a team dedicated to preserving the moments that define them.