Chong steps up as sole editor-in-chief

When people think of the yearbook room, they probably think of the brightly painted and inspirational words on the walls. However, most people do not recognize the passion and love that members of Yearbook put in.
To make all of this work, the responsiblity falls upon a few individuals, the editors. Leading the editors, the editor-in chief takes charge, building spreads and making final decisions regarding the final product of the yearbook. This year, after several years of having co-editors-in-chief, Junior Priscilla Chong will be stepping up by herself as next year’s sole editor-in-chief.
“The transition isn’t a very big deal to me since I’ve been doing the same line of work since I’ve joined,” Chong said. “I guess I’ve always been pretty proactive when it comes to Yearbook. I just love it so much.”
So far, Chong has begun leading the team by hosting the ice cream sundae party for new staff members, choosing the upcoming year’s staff and planning for next year’s book.
“I can have the final say on my own without having to deal with compromising,” Chong said. “A lot of people have asked if I’m scared of the responsibility that is to come, but I’m so in love with my incoming editorial staff, I have nothing to worry about. They’ve got my back and they know what they’re doing.”
Chong cherishes her Yearbook experiences because of the opportunities to portray students’ lives. While reading the work of her writers, she often has the urge to hug someone or break into laughter. Learning about the school and students happens every day in Yearbook in their ambition to cover every student.
These past few years, Chong gained her knowledge by building more spreads and observing her editors-in-chief. Both editors-in-chief Nathalie Schrans and Lexine Mackenzie trust Chong with leading the staff next year.
“I think we’ve kind of known all along that Priscilla would be EIC. For the whole year, she’s been like our second in command after Nathalie and I,” Mackenzie said. “I’m excited to see what happens and am sure that it will be amazing.”
Through the tryout process, Yearbook Advisor Ms. Elizabeth Botello and the two editors-in-chief interviewed Chong. Chong presented her theme ideas along with two spreads each as well as plans to run next year’s staff.
“Not only is she the most qualified person, she’s also really dedicated and understands Yearbook, not as just an organization or a publication but a concept, in terms of coverage, capturing the student body and students’ thoughts and everything that happens in a year,” Schrans said. “She’s kind of been our EIC in training over this year, so she knows what to do. I don’t have any doubts about her.”
Chong recognizes her weaknesses, such as confrontation, but she will step up to the plate when the moment comes.
“Priscilla embodies Yearbook,” Ms. Botello said. “She’s 110% dedicated, she is actively designing, she’s the glue to our staff, slash the heart. She has the skills to lead us in the direction we want to continue to move towards in 2014-15.”
Although Chong just finished up this year’s book, she has brainstormed themes and planned workshops for the new staff.
“I love yearbook because of all the love, hard work, thought, passion, sweat and late nights that I’ve put into it,” Chong said. “Despite the few mistakes that may be made, or disappointments that may occur, we pull off an amazing book for a staff our size. Yearbook is magic.”