New yearbook space in media center includes space for collaboration

Carter Searfoss, Ethan Katz, and Christian Meyle • November 24, 2025

Among the many changes made to the Southern Lehigh High School’s library during its renovation, the relocation of the yearbook meeting space – the publication lab – is one of significance. Not only does it provide more space for the large number of members involved this year, but it also allows the members more resources to work with, and more collaborative opportunities. So, what exactly is new?

The biggest change for the yearbook this year is not just the new space itself but actually the number of students in the class. In previous years, students taking the Yearbook course were split into two classes with about 25 students in each. But this year all 50 students are in one class together.

“Normally we’re communicating between two classes,” English teacher and yearbook adviser Mrs. Lauren Tocci said, “but now that 50 students are together, there’s so much more cohesion between the students.”

This fresh environment not only supports the large group, but it supports their project as well, with the help of technology. New monitors and TVs provide valuable resources to the students that are hard at work on the yearbook, an upgrade from the original publication lab’s dated equipment.

“With a [single] projector you’re limited by one view, but with multiple TVs and drop-down screens we can project multiple pages at the same time,” Mrs. Tocci said.

Some may wonder, though: how do the yearbook students feel, moving on from the dated space to the renovated space?

“I actually like the new room better; it’s more fresh and new,” senior Madeline Rennie, yearbook editor-in-chief, said. “Although the old pub lab was homey, it’s good to be able to branch out and have more space.”

Every year there is a theme for the yearbook, and this year is no different. This year’s theme is “Like it was Yesterday.” It will be a celebration of all the things to be nostalgic about from your high school experience.

Things seem to have changed for the better, but one thing hasn’t changed: the student body knows it will get a quality yearbook no matter the location.

About the Contributors

Carter Searfoss, Sports Editor

Southern Lehigh senior Carter Searfoss is the Sports editor for The Spotlight. He wants to become a sports journalist in the future. Searfoss is a member of the Southern Lehigh Band playing the trombone, and enjoys playing basketball. In his free time, he likes to play video games. His favorite afternoon snacks are vanilla or golden oreos, or a sandwich. His goal is to get into a college.

Ethan Katz, Staff Reporter

Freshman Madelynn Kaintz is a first-year staff reporter for The Spotlight. She is also a member of a competitive dance team and hopes to join Speech and Debate. In addition to Spotlight, she was a competitive gymnast for 5 years and currently likes to spend time outside doing activities like snowboarding and kayaking. Madelynn decided to join journalism because she also loves to read and enjoys having the creative freedom to write about what she enjoys.

Christian Meyle, Staff Reporter

Freshman Christian Meyle is a first-year staff reporter. Outside of school, he likes to play the guitar, and has been playing for three years. In the future, Christian would like to attend LCTI and possibly pursue welding to attain a successful career.