Brighton High School’s Media Publications class celebrated National Yearbook Week, Oct. 6–10, 2025, with a week full of creativity, learning and camaraderie. Organized through Jostens Inc., the celebration featured a daily photo competition, giving students the chance to submit themed photos and win prizes. Each day brought a different focus, combining fun, teamwork and reflection with the importance of student media.
The week kicked off with “Motivation Monday,” when students contributed to a motivational bulletin board featuring quotes, drawings and reminders that inspire them. The board became a vibrant display of positivity and encouragement for the entire class. “Take-it Tuesday” highlighted the art of capturing action, as students submitted photos showing their classmates in action, taking photos both in the classroom and around the school.
One of the week’s highlights was “Working Wednesday,” when 13 Media Publications staff members attended the 2025 Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA) Conference in Lansing. The conference, held at the Lansing Center, offered students the opportunity to explore different topics and take ideas back to their school-sponsored media programs. Participants split up to attend four different sessions of their choice, covering topics such as journalism integrity, photography techniques, class bonding and more.
“I really enjoyed attending the Covering Controversial Topics Responsibly speech by Julia Satterthwaite because I learned about my rights as a student journalist and how to handle disagreements about student publications,” junior Behlke Graves said in reference to a panel she had the opportunity to attend at the conference.
For senior Malakai Kilduff, it wasn’t just the panels that provided valuable experience but also the opportunity to connect with his fellow students.
“Other than just learning about journalism, I really enjoyed bonding with my classmates and learning how to work together to create an amazing newspaper and yearbook,” Kilduff said.
Their experiences highlight how conferences like MIPA not only strengthen journalistic skills but also foster teamwork and collaboration among students.
On “Thoughtful Thursday,” students surprised their advisor, Mrs. Kimberly Christiansen, with a themed tea party to show appreciation for her dedication to the program. The classroom was transformed with tablecloths, teacups, pastries and even Mrs. Christiansen’s favorite snack—baby carrots.
“I will always have the image of that first sight of my classroom… everyone sitting with their little teacup, looking so cute like Downton Abbey,” Christiansen said.
She added that the tea party truly showed her yearbook staff’s appreciation “because it reflected their knowledge of me and all of my personality traits.” The thoughtful gesture highlighted the strong relationships between the students and their advisor, demonstrating how support and encouragement are vital to a hands-on co-curricular class.
The week wrapped up with “Fun Friday,” when students created posters representing their publication groups, including “Christiansen’s Carrots,” “Media Minions,” “The OG Guinea Pigs” and “The Hot off the Pots.” The creative display showcased each group’s personality and brought a festive end to the week.
Reflecting on the overall celebration, Mrs. Christiansen emphasized the importance of recognizing student programs.
“Anything that celebrates certain programs and certain students, especially programs that are not as popular or prominent, is really beneficial,” she said. “It highlights that this is an important program and that we should celebrate students who are involved.”
