Norwester’s editor-in-chief shares what’s exciting about the new yearbook
By Mattie Stevens
Q: How did you decide to become involved with Norwester?
Carothers: Norwester has completely expanded and made my high school experience what it is. I wanted to join yearbook to cover the people and events that aren’t typically covered and to celebrate the successes and talents of students.
Q: How long have you been a part of staff?
Carothers: I joined the staff my junior year as a sports editor. Covering sports was a blast but a lot of work because of the 72+ sports to cover in such a short amount of time. Looking back now I wish that I had joined my freshman or sophomore year because of the great experiences I have gained from it. I recommend that anyone who is interested in Norwester should join next year because it was one of the best decisions I made during high school.
Q: What is your favorite part of being on Norwester?
Carothers: My absolute favorite part of being on the Norwester staff is creating a book that will forever hold the memories of the student body made throughout the year. It definitely adds pressure to my job knowing that what most people will remember about this year is what we cover in our 400 page book, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Q: What is the yearbook’s theme this year?
Carothers: Our theme this year is “Beyond Tradition.” At first I wanted it to be “Traditional,” but then I realized that we have really gone beyond and created a whole new set of traditions.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of the yearbook this year?
Carothers: I love the new collage spreads we added this year! They allow so many more students and events that aren’t covered to make an appearance in the book.
Q: What are the qualifications for being Editor in Chief?
Carothers: At the end of each year our advisor Ms. Volksen hands out an application to all returning students. However, I considered my entire junior year the “interview process” because there is no one question or scenario that can encompass all it takes to be editor-in-chief. I believe that hard work, ownership and leadership are important qualities for anyone on the yearbook staff and a year of working consistently to make the yearbook the best it can be is the only interview you need.
Q: What is your least favorite part of being on Norwester?
Carothers: The hardest part of Norwester is deciding what to cover. Our school is always busy with events, games, club meetings and fundraisers, trends, class trips, projects, concerts, plays and everything else that comes with being a high school student. As you can imagine, it can be hard to cover everything.
Q: What are your major responsibilities?
Carothers: A few of my duties include keeping everyone on track to meet their deadlines, help brainstorm with other editors, communicate with our publisher and edit the entire book multiple times. I also have the same responsibilities as other staff members, such as photographing events, interviewing students, make sure that we’re covering a variety of events and students and bringing in baked goods! It’s a lot, but very doable.
Q: How has Norwester changed this year compared to last year?
Carothers: We have focused more on teamwork and have stronger deadlines to ensure that the yearbook in making consistent progress. I try to meet weekly with each section editor or staffers to check progress and figure out how I can help things that have fallen behind. As far as the actual book, we also did a completely new design in the “people” section and did our coverage earlier this year so more clubs are included. Our timeline for the book is a lot different than last year because we don’t want to be working on the book in July like last year.
Q: What is your favorite part of being Editor in Chief?
Carothers: My favorite part would be the ability to work with a great group of students to create a time capsule of what school was like at Upper Arlington High School in 2013.