DOWNEY -- For the second consecutive year, Stauffer Middle School's yearbook class was awarded Walsworth's national "Gallery of Excellence" award. 

The Gallery of Excellence is a showcase of the best yearbooks published by Walsworth; these books feature superior examples of coverage, design, photography, and copy.

By participating in yearbook class, the students gain experience toward becoming college and career ready by implementing graphic design, photography, interviewing skills, and feature writing skills regularly, said Mrs. Diane Huff, an English and journalism teacher at Stauffer who also oversees the yearbook. Each student also becomes a published author. 

The students faced a unique obstacle this year when Mrs. Huff went out on maternity leave for three months. They exceeded expectations under the guidance of their substitute, Mrs. Jessica Worthy, and this year’s editors: eighth graders Yasha Haque and Noel Gomez.
 
The students were also responsible for creating videos that can be linked to the yearbook by scanning specific pictures. There are 31 total videos this year, twice the amount of videos included in last year’s book.
 
"I’m so proud of the passion and professionalism displayed by this year’s staff," said Mrs. Huff.  "From planning the theme in August, to creating the cover in October, to filming videos in May – they’ve put a ton of work into this publication, and it shows in our one-of-a-kind book."
 
Don Walsworth, president of Walsworth Publishing Company, praised Stauffer Middle School, writing in a letter, “Gallery books, including yours, ignite the creativity in other yearbook staffs. The induction of your yearbook honors your staff’s exceptional work and dedication to excellence.”