As the class of 2019 prepares for graduation, Sedro-Woolley High School students are getting swept up by the festivities of senior year. One of the most exciting traditions for students in the past has been senior pictures. Underclassmen always hear about the stress and the havoc that older students went through for years. Has the process gotten any better since then? We wanted to ask some students and teachers about their experience.

   At Sedro-Woolley High School, Steve McCartt is the ringleader of yearbook shenanigans. McCartt teaches several tech communication classes at SWHS. In these classes, he instructs his students on various computer skills including: photography, broadcasting, and yearbook production. Although seniors enjoy senior photos, it’s difficult to organize the entire class. “It’s always hard to get 300 people to turn in something in on time. But the people who want to will,” said McCartt.

   Along with the vast technological advancements of smartphones and social media, comes improvement of the senior photo process. Whether it’s contacting photographers or picture editing, tech is helping immensely. Students continue to pay special attention to their social media between classes, despite the recent phone restrictions here at SWHS. Word would get around via announcements and posters in the days of old, but social media has come to help keep students in the loop. McCartt said, “It seems like when the kids post things on social media it helps.” Thanks to the ASB students, deadlines spread much faster these days.

   SWHS students had until October 1 to get photoshoots planned and pick out their favorite shot. Students that McCartt has enlisted to help with the yearbook helped explain how they tackle senior pictures. “Students may want their photo to be absolutely perfect,” said yearbook volunteer Carson Lomsdalen, a senior that McCartt enlisted to help with yearbook. “We just want to see the front of their face, we don’t want grainy photos.”

    Every class will have its trends, especially with senior photos. Senior Emily Jennings said, “A lot of people go to Northern State,” in reference to the local abandoned mental hospital and outdoor space. The beautiful, natural setting provides a nice background. Meanwhile Lomsdalen says the key to the perfect photo is, “Confidence.” Something like that will always look good, unlike those fads that come and go with each generation.

As the years go on, senior photos will hopefully remain the staple that they are now.  Make sure to check out the students handy work and the senior’s photos in the 2018-2019 yearbook.