Both Alameda public high schools took home awards at the California Yearbook Academy. Encinal High School’s (EHS) Horizon took first place in the small high school division, while Alameda High School’s (AHS) Acorn took home second place in the large high school division. More than 20 schools attended the camp.

Eleven Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) students attended the camp at California State University, East Bay from July 11 to 14. Seven AHS students and four EHS students attended sessions on photography and design as well as planned yearbook themes for their respective school publications.

“I got to experience a little of the college life and it gave me a good perspective into how yearbook works,” said EHS senior Reanna Soltero. “It was hard work but overall paid off in the end.”

The primary goal of all schools at the camp was to decide on and flesh out their yearbook’s theme for the upcoming year.

“While we can’t reveal the theme just yet, I’m super, super excited about it,” said Horizon Editor-in-Chief Gabby Benaquista.

AHS rising senior Lindsay Taggart received the camp’s MVP award for her outstanding work.

“Lindsay was amazing,” said Powell Middle School advisor Yvette Manculich. “She was always totally engaged.”