Inspiring Creativity at the 24th Publication Workshop

Budding journalists, designers, videographers, and editors from throughout California and Hawaii travelled to Pacific Union College for the 24^th annual Publication Workshop September 2-4, 2014. The workshop provided high school and junior high students with training and inspiration to make their academy yearbooks, newspapers, and other publications shine.

Students from the 20 academies that attended returned to their schools with what Publication Workshop director Milbert Mariano describes as “targeted, practical training and useful tips for jumpstarting yearbooks, newspapers, and video yearbooks.” Students learned how to utilize design and photography software; strengthen writing, design, and photography skills; and edit video yearbooks. Industry professionals and PUC professors, including recent educator of the year John Nunes, presented the training sessions. Nunes, a professor of business administration, led workshops on project management and team building for publication editors.

“Be consistent and simple,” were the lessons Rheanna Garcia took away from the Workshop. Garcia, the designer of San Fernando Valley Academy’s yearbook, appreciated the presenters’ real-world advice. “They were really helpful since they were all designers who knew what they were doing,” she said.

This year’s workshop marked the tenth year Mariano has led the workshop. At the closing program, Mariano, chair of the department of visual arts, was brought to the platform for some words of thanks. “As a sponsor, we’re very grateful for the experience you’ve created for us,” said Amy Hill, a teacher at Redlands Adventist Academy.

The Publication Workshop’s closing program also included awards for academies that had submitted copies of their 2013-2014 publications for consideration. Winners included Mountain View Academy for Excellence in Publishing (Yearbook); South Bay Junior Academy for Excellence in Publishing for Junior Academy/Elementary (Yearbook); Loma Linda Academy for Excellence in Publishing (Newspaper) and Excellence in Photography (Newspaper); Redlands Adventist Academy for Excellence in Photography (Yearbook) and Excellence in Video Editing; Thunderbird Adventist Academy for Excellence in Layout & Design (Yearbook); Hawaiian Mission Academy for Excellence in Layout & Design (Newspaper) and Excellence in Writing (Newspaper); Sacramento Adventist Academy for Excellence in Cover Design (Yearbook); PUC Preparatory School for Excellence in Writing (Yearbook); and an Honorable Mention award to Lodi Academy.

The Publication Workshop team is already planning for the 25^th annual Publication Workshop, September 8-10, 2015. Academies can learn more and register early on the Workshop’s website.