Timeless: Journey through the 24-25 MLEC Yearbook
By Adriana Garcia
Back in April of 2024, when D’avora Williams, Elizabeth Gonzalez, and I first sat down to plan the 2024–2025 yearbook, there was an unspoken understanding—we wanted to create something lasting. Something students could return to years from now and still feel connected to.
That shared vision became the foundation for our theme: Timeless. As the design editor, it was my job to bring that idea to life—to translate that feeling into colors, layouts, fonts, and all the subtle details that would tie the book together.
Even before we had fully settled on the theme, I already knew what colors would represent our class. We tested different combinations and explored a range of design directions, but in the end, the original palette prevailed. We landed on a soft, grounded mix: bright yellows and blues balanced by softer pinks and purples. The palette felt just like us, in a way that’s hard to put into words.
The design process began with long conversations between me, the editor-in-chief, and the managing editor. Throughout the summer, we spent countless hours discussing what “Timeless” truly meant to us.
We didn’t want to rely on fleeting trends or lean too heavily on traditional styles. Instead, we aimed for something warm and nostalgic, yet modern enough to reflect the spirit of our school as it is today. The Class of 2025 has always been tightly knit, and through everything we’ve faced, we’ve stayed resilient and true to ourselves.
From there, the real design work began. Every section of the book needed a layout and rhythm, from senior pages to academies, sports, clubs, and portraits. I spent countless hours creating templates that allowed each spread to stand out while still feeling part of a unified book.
It was important that the design never distracted from the photos or stories, but instead enhanced them. Consistency was key, so I relied on grid systems and alignment to maintain structure, while adding playful touches like unexpected photo placements or highlighted quotes to give each page some personality.
Fonts, though a small detail, had a big impact. For titles, we used a mix of serif and calligraphy fonts that felt elegant yet bold, while body text remained clean and readable with a modern sans-serif. We used a whimsical script to add a lighthearted, playful feel in special moments, like quotes or title pages. Everything, down to the style of the page numbers and section dividers, was chosen carefully to echo the Timeless aesthetic without overpowering the content.
“Working on the yearbook is a process that requires your undivided attention all year long. From planning the little details to capturing the best photos, you’re always thinking about it. My experience with this year’s book taught me what it means to build something that truly matters,” said managing editor and senior, Elizabeth Gonzalez.
Early on, I already knew this yearbook team was special. D’avora, Elizabeth, and I had worked together before, and over time, we’d built a quiet but powerful rhythm—one rooted in trust, shared vision, and late-night brainstorming sessions. We each brought something different to the table: D’avora’s bold leadership, Elizabeth’s meticulous ability to keep the team together, and my focus on design and flow.
We weren’t just coworkers—we were collaborators with a deep understanding of each other’s strengths. Some of my favorite parts of the book aren’t the obvious spreads, but the quiet details most people overlook—the way the sand across the dividers is designed to connect, the way the margins hug the content just right, or how the color scheme subtly shifts to create a smooth, natural flow.
These small choices help tell the story without words. Behind each one were nights spent reviewing drafts, giving feedback, and making adjustments until everything felt just right.
“Making the yearbook was a journey of pain, suffering, joy, and absolute love,” said Editor-in-Chief and senior, D’Avora Williams. “It was unforgettable how many problems and solutions can happen in a mere second. That dynamic and grit is how my team and I worked to deliver this Timeless book.”
For me, working on the yearbook has been one of the most rewarding creative experiences I’ve ever had. It pushed me to think critically about design, storytelling, and collaboration. But more than that, it reminded me of how meaningful our time in high school can be—and how important it is to preserve those memories with care. Timeless was more than just a theme. It was a promise to capture our year with heart and intention. I’m proud to say we’ve done just that.
