What can award-winning yearbooks teach you right now, in the middle of deadline season?

In this episode of That Yearbook Podcast, we break down five key lessons learned from analyzing the 2025 President’s Collection award-winning books. After reviewing all 30 national award winners page by page, we share the biggest takeaways that separate strong books from exceptional ones.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• There is no single formula for greatness, but there must be purpose and consistency
• Attention to detail is what elevates good books to award-winning level
• Coverage must be deep, varied and representative of your school community
• Strong writing still matters and engaging storytelling drives readership
• Theme-rich books carry their concept visually and verbally from cover to closing

We also talk about how the 2025 President’s Collection video series breaks these concepts down into six focused areas: theme, design, coverage, writing, photography and reference.

• This episode is designed to help staffs:
• Stay motivated during deadline season
• Understand what judges look for in award-winning books
• Identify areas for growth in their current production cycle
• Start planning stronger systems for next year

Photography is more than getting a great shot. It’s about telling a complete story.

In this episode of That Yearbook Podcast, Sabrina Cady, CJE, and Jim Jordan break down how photo storytelling helps yearbook staffs move beyond isolated images and create coverage that works together on the spread. They share practical ways to plan photos with purpose, improve collaboration between photographers, writers and editors, and avoid common habits that weaken visual storytelling.

Season 3, Episode 5 of That Yearbook Podcast digs into one of the most overlooked parts of yearbook production: club coverage. Sabrina Cady, CJE and Jim Jordan break down how to find real stories, prioritize people over events, plan smarter, improve club picture day and rethink how clubs fit into your overall coverage strategy. If your staff struggles to move beyond basic group photos, this episode will give you the direction you need.

Season 3, Episode 4 of That Yearbook Podcast dives into why judging and critiques matter for every yearbook staff. Hosts Sabrina Schmitz, CJE, and Jim Jordan explain how feedback fuels growth, what judges really look for and how advisers can help their teams reach award-winning levels.

In this episode of That Yearbook Podcast, hosts Sabrina Schmitz, CJE, and Jim Jordan break down why every yearbook staff should have a clear, well-structured staff manual. Learn how it helps set expectations, build accountability, protect advisers and keep your team running smoothly all year.

🔗 Learn more at walsworthyearbooks.com

Your yearbook ladder is more than just a list of pages. Podcast hosts Sabrina Schmitz, CJE and Jim Jordan break down how to generate story ideas, involve your staff, leave space for the unexpected and keep coverage balanced so your ladder works all year.

In this episode, Sabrina and Jim dive into yearbook must-dos and design debates inspired by reviewing 2025 books. They share their “please do” list and hot takes.

Classroom resource: https://link.walsworthyearbooks.com/considerthesestrategies

In the season finale, Sabrina and Jim discuss end-of-year yearbook strategies, celebrating staff achievements, organizing files, planning summer coverage and preparing for the next academic year. They offer practical advice for yearbook teams, emphasizing celebration, skill development and maintaining momentum between school years.