Cape's Valhalla yearbook wins gold medalist status
Cape Henlopen’s Valhalla yearbook has joined other exemplary yearbooks from across the nation as a gold medalist in the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s Scholastic Yearbook Critique. Every year, the CSPA holds a Medalist Critique in which all submitted yearbooks and online student journalism media are scored; awards may include bronze, silver, or gold medals for journalistic quality. The 2013 Valhalla recently earned its place among other gold publications.
Valhalla has been submitted three years in a row, and this year was its first time receiving gold. The two years before, Valhalla placed in the silver category.
The Valhalla yearbook is as old as Cape Henlopen High School and is in its 42nd publishing year. The 2012-13 yearbook theme was Life in Stereo. In the critique, praise was given for the fresh nature of the yearbook - avoiding clichés - and interesting presentation of memories for the entire school year. The CSPA Yearbook Critique noted, “It shows the work of a dedicated staff and a talented adviser,” adding “…students will have a 2013 record of their school year to reread in future years.”
The 2012-13 Valhalla co-editor, current senior Kylie Manganiello, was asked how she worked with the Cape publications team to guarantee the Valhalla gold certification. “Going from the 2011-2012 yearbook to the 2012-2013 yearbook,” she said, “we really tried to tighten up the technical aspects of the yearbook. We tried to make sure our layouts and the flow of our yearbook was coherent and easy to follow.” She also mentioned how the yearbook’s theme was emphasized not only on the cover but also throughout the entire book. She also cited adviser Amie King’s editing as a strong factor in the quality. “Mrs. King didn't hesitate to send back a page with a typo or a slip-up, and I think that added focus definitely paid off,” she said. Manganiello co-edited the 2013 Valhalla with fellow senior Danny Myers.
The others in the 2012-2013 Cape publications staff include current senior Ellie Sutton, as well as juniors Madeleine Bradshaw and current Valhalla editor Aly Fisher. Graduated staff members include Brian Beitzel and Chassity Watson.
