The 2023-2024 Oakdale yearbook has been a long time in the making, and the publications class is proud to present the final product to students.

Every year, the OHS publications class works around the clock to put together the yearbook for every Oakdale Bear to enjoy. What is less known is what goes on behind the scenes during that process. 

Bethany Dentes is the publications teacher, but the class is more akin to a business, with Ms. Dentes playing the role of a manager. There’s hard deadlines that need to be met, and a hierarchy similar to that of a corporation. 

The publications team takes pride in creating a professional working environment and creating a professional product. “It runs more like a business than a class, because we are delivering a product that the community has paid a lot of money for and should represent everyone,”  Dentes voiced.

The publications class works with the Jostens Yearbook Company in order to provide the school with professional artists to create the beautiful covers of the book. As well as providing assets to use on the pages in order to make a well designed and nice looking page.

Due to the deadlines set by the company, the timeline for the creation of the yearbook is non-disputable, as failing to meet those deadlines simply means that Jostens cannot print the finished product in time to distribute it. Because of the structure and workflow of the class, it can offer students real world experience working in graphic design, photography, marketing, and interviewing. 

“Be prepared to work in and out of class and prepared to meet deadlines. Your quality of work matters. It’s challenging but rewarding, every day is different,” Dentes responded, when asked for advice for anyone looking to join the class.  

Joining the publications team is a great way to connect with the OHS community. Through interviews and attending various events, members are given the opportunity to meet many different people and establish strong connections within the community. Working in and out of class is also a large part of being on the team, with most of the interviews and school events taking place after the school day. 

While the strict deadlines of the class can sometimes be stressful, getting to meet new people and contribute to the community makes the class enjoyable. Ms. Dentes’ publications class is proud of the product that they were able to deliver to the OHS community this year, and the publications class will continue to strive to make every yearbook better than the last.