Newtown High School (NHS) was recently recognized as a Gold Level National Yearbook Program of Excellence for the 2024-2025 school year — an honor that reflects the dedication, creativity, and professionalism of the students who produced last year's yearbook along with their teacher, Kristin Violette.

The National Yearbook Program of Excellence distinction recognizes schools that demonstrate excellence in yearbook creation, student engagement, marketing, and publication quality. It is given by Jostens, an American manufacturer known for selling yearbooks and graduation regalia, as well as personalized class jewelry and championship rings.

Earning Gold status places NHS among an elite group of yearbook programs nationwide and highlights the outstanding work completed by students throughout the year.

This recognition is especially meaningful because it marks Newtown's first Gold Level designation since 2015. Since then, the program has continued to earn National Yearbook Program of Excellence recognition annually at the Silver or Bronze level, resulting in a decade of consecutive national recognition.

As an academic course offered at NHS, yearbook gives students hands-on experience in photography, graphic design, project management, communication, and leadership. Together, they create a lasting pictorial record of the school year while working to ensure that every student is represented and feels connected to the school community.

Participation in yearbook is highly regarded by colleges and scholarship organizations because it demonstrates responsibility, collaboration, creativity, and commitment to a long-term project.