Yearbook Sales
With yearbook sales diminishing, the Trail may cease to exist. With its 82nd volume up for sale, 250 books must be sold to keep the yearbook convocation. Despite a sales campaign, staff members talking to individual homerooms, hall posters and announcements, as of Jan. 21, only 200 books had been sold.
“Eventually the Trail may go bye-bye,” said Journalism Adviser Diane Schutt. “[The Journalism staff] has done everything we can to try and increase sales,” said Schutt. “I hate the idea of losing the yearbook because if you do, the school district and community loses the only permanent record of sports scores, team members, activities and class pictures. Nothing will ever replace a yearly record like a yearbook,” Schutt added.
The toll of poor yearbook sales could be felt as early as the ‘09-‘10 school year. Journalism may produce a smaller-sized book, but with a significant cost savings of $5,000-$6,000. “The book costs nearly $21,000 to produce,” said Schutt. “We have to get the money for somewhere, one way or another.”
Some students do not see buying a yearbook as a good remembrance of their high school experience. “I’m not buying a yearbook,” said sophomore Kayla Lufkin. “I’m not in anything so I don’t want to look at pictures of everyone else.”
Families also impact yearbook sales. “Even though my sister and I buy separate books, most brothers and sisters only buy one book to share,” Miranda Barber ‘11 said.
Some individuals have a mixed view on purchasing a yearbook.
“I wouldn’t want to spend money on it as a teacher,” said history teacher and Head Girls’ Basketball coach Amy Engle. “But I bought my own high school yearbooks. They are a great keepsake to look back on years after you graduate.”
By: Whitney Ebke
Fairbury Jr/Sr High School
1501 9th Street
Fairbury, NE 68352
(402)-729-6116 ext 106