Stories and inspiration for using Jostens Renaissance ideas to improve school climate and culture, and for yearbook storytelling, organization and education, from elementary school to college.
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"That Yearbook Podcast" is hosted by experts Mike Taylor, CJE, Jim Jordan, and Sabrina Schmitz, CJE. In each episode, the hosts delve into the latest and hottest topics within the realm of yearbooks and scholastic journalism. Drawing on their wealth of experience, the trio explores issues ranging from design trends and storytelling techniques to the evolving landscape of scholastic journalism. With a perfect blend of expertise and humor, "That Yearbook Podcast" offers valuable insights, prac ...
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Need to sharpen your yearbook skills? Ask Mike! Mike Taylor, CJE, is exploring what it takes to tell a great story with your yearbook, with a few laughs along the way. Mike enhances his already immense yearbook knowledge through interviews with yearbook advisers across the country and answers questions along the way.
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spoken poetry.
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That Yearbook Podcast | Season 2, Episode 9: School's Out for Summer? Kind of?
28:13
28:13
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28:13In the season finale, Sabrina and Jim discuss end-of-year yearbook strategies, celebrating staff achievements, organizing files, planning summer coverage and preparing for the next academic year. They offer practical advice for yearbook teams, emphasizing celebration, skill development and maintaining momentum between school years.…
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That Yearbook Podcast | Season 2: Episode 8 | It's All About Theme
22:30
22:30
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22:30This episode of That Yearbook Podcast focuses on yearbook theme development for 2026, featuring expert advice from Jim and Sabrina. They discuss the importance of starting theme conversations early, emphasizing creativity, relevance and storytelling. The discussion provides guidance for yearbook staff on selecting a meaningful theme that captures t…
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That Yearbook Podcast | Season 2: Episode 7 | Trends: The Frosting of Yearbook
27:19
27:19
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27:19In this episode of That Yearbook Podcast, podcasts hosts Jim Jordan and Sabrina Schmitz, CJE meet up with Walsworth graphic designer, Stephanie Streicher to talk about trends for 2026 and best practices for implementing them in your yearbook.By WYPN
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The Yearbooking Report - Mid April 2025 - The Future of Yearbooking
52:19
52:19
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52:19We discuss the future of yearbooking with one of the best, former award winning adviser Ava Butzu. Now a Jostens education specialist, Ava discusses some top yearbook issues as well as what to do in the final months of the school year. And then we pull out the crystal ball to think about yearbook in the future - no book? Using Social Media. What ab…
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The Renaissance Report - Episode 9 - What is School Climate and Culture Anyway?
55:32
55:32
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55:32It's an issue that plagues too many schools today - poor climate and culture, which then leads to problems like low morale, bullying, lack of relationships and poor performance. What is climate and culture anyway? We talked with a Jostens Renaissance legend, Stand Tall Steve Bollar, who has been a leader on climate and culture for over two decades.…
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That Yearbook Podcast | Season 2: Episode 6: Be Like Mike: The Magic of Mike Taylor
28:51
28:51
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28:51Jim and Sabrina honor Mike Taylor, a beloved yearbook industry leader who passed away from brain cancer. They celebrate his unique ability to connect with people, his passion for yearbook education and the spirit of fun he brought to every person he engaged with.By WYPN
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The Renaissance Report, Episode 8 - A Newbie Renaissance School Story
1:00:08
1:00:08
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1:00:08What's it like to start using Jostens Renaissance ideas at a school? How to get that ball rolling? What's the impact on both students and staffulty (faculty and staff) to improve a school? What are ideas to use? We talked with Principal Eric Underhill of Carl Sandburg Middle School in Alexandria, VA - his school just began using Renaissance ideas i…
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The Renaissance Report - Episode 7 - A Superintendent's Story
52:05
52:05
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52:05Teachers and students are interested in using Jostens Renaissance ideas - but what does this look like from the superintendent level, the top office? We talked to superintendent Dr. Michelle CarneyRay-Yoder of Central Regional School District in New Jersey about that view. She's also a Jostens Renaissance Hall of Famer and the Renaissance Champion …
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That Yearbook Podcast | Season 2, Episode 5: A Crash Course on Copyright and Fair Use
25:52
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25:52This episode of That Yearbook Podcast dives deep into the complex issue of copyright concerns for yearbook themes, designs, and content. The hosts guide balancing inspiration and originality, using copyrighted material like song lyrics and images, and finding legal sources for visuals to avoid infringement. Access the classroom assessment that pair…
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The Renaissance Report - Episode 6 - A School of Distinction Story
49:22
49:22
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49:22For any school looking to improve their climate, culture and morale, the Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction Award offers a template of activities to help meet that goal. And the Platinum School of Distinction Award is the ultimate. State College High School in State College, PA decided to make that their target for 2023-24. They nailed it an…
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That Yearbook Podcast | Season 2, Episode 4: Is Your Staff Editing and Proofing Effectively?
28:09
28:09
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28:09This is episode 4 of Season 2 of That Yearbook Podcast, featuring yearbook experts Sabrina Schmitz, CJE, Mike Taylor, CJE and Jim Jordan. They discuss the importance of thorough editing and proofing for yearbook content, including establishing a consistent process, building staff morale and leveraging technology. Check the links below for the train…
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The Renaissance Report - Episode 5 - A Student Leadership Story
39:40
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39:40Student leadership is often overlooked at many schools. And even more at middle schools. Teaching good student leadership is something that our guest this episode has excelled at. Listen as we talk to veteran educator Christina Onuskanich from Mill Hall, PA. Christina was a 2023 Jostens Renaissance National Educator of the Year and a national leade…
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The Renaissance Report - Episode 4 - A Mental Health Story
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47:26
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47:26You can't discuss education today without talking about mental health, for both students and adults. It's a real issue - and Jostens Renaissance ideas can help any school to improve the situation for all involved. We talked with educator and administrator Mark Brown from Newburg HS in Oregon about mental health in schools and how to change the game…
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That Yearbook Podcast | Season 2 - Episode 3: Make Copywriting Simple
33:14
33:14
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33:14This episode explores the essential elements of crafting compelling journalistic stories for the yearbook. From conducting effective interviews to writing captivating leads and maintaining journalistic integrity, this episode equips student journalists with the skills to create yearbooks that truly capture the human experiences that define the scho…
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The Renaissance Report - Episode 3 - A Leadership Story
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51:46
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51:46How's the adult leadership in your school building? Stresses on administrators and teachers have never been higher. How to really LEAD your group to success this year? Listen for insights and ideas from former administrator Dr. Darrin Peppard, also a Jostens Renaissance Hall of Famer, on how to positively affect the climate, culture and morale of a…
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That Yearbook Podcast | Season 2 - Episode 2: Why You Must Have Captions
30:01
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30:01This episode of That Yearbook Podcast tackles the crucial, yet often overlooked, topic of yearbook captions. Hosts Mike Taylor, CJE, Jim Jordan and Sabrina Schmitz, CJE emphasize the importance of captions in providing historical context, engaging readers, and elevating a yearbook to award-winning status. Be sure to check out the training video tha…
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The Renaissance Report - Episode 2 - An Elementary Story
48:42
48:42
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48:42Renaissance ideas are for any school at any level - so what about elementary school? Listen to the story of Robb Elementary School in Lock Haven, PA, a school that went all in for Renaissance and it's made a huge difference for their students and staff. School facilitator Brad McCloskey gave us the full story, from getting started to the acclaim th…
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That Yearbook Podcast | Season 2 - Episode 1: Why Team Building Matters
23:32
23:32
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23:32We are back with the latest season of That Yearbook Podcast ! Walsworth Yearbook experts Jim Jordan, Sabrina Schmitz, CJE and Mike Taylor, CJE share their top tips for setting yearbook staffs up for success in the new school year. The key? Focus on team building and establishing trust, communication and collaboration before diving into production t…
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The Renaissance Report - Episode 1 - A High School Story
47:49
47:49
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47:49Can a large school succeed with Jostens Renaissance ideas? YES and in this episode we talk to Laura Tobias, principal at State College High School in State College, PA. Her large school began using Renaissance ideas in the summer and fall 2023 and it's already made a HUGE difference in their building while also achieving the Renaissance Platinum Sc…
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That Yearbook Podcast | Season 1 - Episode 6: Understanding the Printing Process
31:19
31:19
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31:19The season finale from That Yearbook Podcast focuses specifically on the printing process and why Walsworth is the most trusted name in yearbooks. Industry veterans Mike Taylor, CJE, Jim Jordan and Sabrina Schmitz, CJE, reminisce on Walsworth's humble beginnings over 85 years ago and how their commitment to family and unparalleled customer service …
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That Yearbook Podcast | Season 1 - Episode 5: Why Workshops are a Must
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30:27Prepare for the upcoming school year by considering spring and summer workshops for your yearbook staff. In the latest episode of That Yearbook Podcast, hosts Mike Taylor, CJE, Jim Jordan, and Sabrina Schmitz, CJE, discuss the value of workshops, covering types, skills learned and benefits for students and staff. Listen for insights on how workshop…
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That Yearbook Podcast | Season 1 - Episode 4: Conventions 101
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30:15Those Yearbook People, Mike Taylor, CJE, Jim Jordan and Sabrina Schmitz, CJE, share convention stories and tips for yearbook programs. They discuss the value of state and national conventions, planning educational sessions for students, gaining administrator support and creative fundraising ideas to offset travel costs. This is essential listening …
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That Yearbook Podcast | Season 1 - Episode 3: Why Should My Staff Get a Yearbook Critique?
39:54
39:54
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39:54Tune in to this episode of "That Yearbook Podcast" as Mike, Jim and Sabrina discuss the significance of yearbook critiques. Experienced advisers and journalists offer objective feedback to identify strengths and weaknesses, aiding in continual improvement. Discover how critiques motivate staff and elevate yearbook quality. Listen now for valuable i…
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That Yearbook Podcast | Season 1 - Episode 1: Those Yearbook People
33:32
33:32
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33:32Welcome to That Yearbook Podcast, the series where yearbook experts Mike Taylor, CJE, Jim Jordan and Sabrina Schmitz, CJE, take us on a delightful journey through their connections to yearbooks and the fascinating world of student journalism. The trio shares their unique stories and experiences that have shaped their perspectives on creating amazin…
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That Yearbook Podcast | Season 1 - Episode 2: Why Relationships Matter
40:09
40:09
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40:09In this episode, hosts Mike Taylor, Jim Jordan, and Sabrina Schmitz emphasize cultivating strong relationships among yearbook staff, administration, parents and the community. They share insights on team-building, communication with administrators, engaging parents and seeking mentorship from industry experts for journalistic excellence. Available …
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It's roughly halfway through another school year - and for many schools ROUGH is a good term to use again this year. That goes with another key word, CULTURE. Schools everywhere - and many yearbook staffs - are struggling through another year. One man who knows all about good yearbook and school culture is veteran adviser Mitch Eden. Now retired af…
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The Yearbooking Report, Mid November 2023
57:53
57:53
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57:53We're back and talking about one subject that many yearbook staffs avoid - writing. Photos will always be the #1 element of the book, but writing is a close #2, filling in the information that the photos miss. And that's a LOT of information. Listen for great ideas and advice from veteran adviser Sharon Kubicek from Texas as she shares the importan…
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It's a new school year, new energy, but eventually one same struggle will rise again. That's page designing - GOOD designing, never random or haphazard. Is your staff designing or just decorating? Listen to a great conversation with veteran adviser Brenda Field, a former JEA National Yearbook Adviser of the Year from Illinois, with ideas and advice…
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The Yearbooking Report, Mid May 2023 - TRANSFORMATION
1:06:53
1:06:53
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1:06:53As we go into a much needed summer break, what about yearbook and next year's effort? Those who plan early often have a smoother time of it - but a lot of yearbook advisers and staffs had a struggle this year. It's time for a TRANSFORMATION. Listen for tips and ideas from former top middle school adviser and current Jostens Education Specialist Kri…
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Ask Mike | Yearbook Staffers Support Each Other at Patricia E. Paetow High School
39:56
39:56
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39:56We’re close to the end of the year now, and yearbook editors are preparing to hand over the torch to the next generation. In the latest episode of the Ask Mike podcast, host Mike Taylor chatted with Yvette and Gabbie, soon-to-graduate yearbook editors at Patricia E. Paetow High School in Katy, Texas. Both editors have been on yearbook staff since s…
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For yearbookers it's time...for the BIG FINISH. The end of the school year is approaching and there's plenty to do, for both now and looking to the future. Distribution, organization, student leadership, planning for next year, etc. New Jostens Ambassador Marci Pieper, a recent JEA Lifetime Achievement Award winner, goes over many ideas and strateg…
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Ask Mike | South to Texas with Chisholm Trail High School
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41:16
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41:16Cortney Wood is in her first year of advising yearbook at Chisholm Trail High School in Fort Worth, Texas. She’s new to advising but has experience working on yearbook staffs in high school and college. Copy editor Sydney Hawkins also joined the conversation. In this interview with host Mike Taylor, CJE, Cortney and Sidney share their experiences c…
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Ask Mike | North to Minnetonka High School
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37:35
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37:35As Anna, Halle and Gabby work to finish their yearbook, they're also preparing for a significant absence. Host Mike Taylor sat down with the three editors from Minnetonka, Minnesota, to discuss their roles in the yearbook team, their interests, and how they fill their time outside of yearbook. They share the the highs and lows of yearbook photograp…
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Continuing our theme episodes this season we'll call this The Motivation Report. Many advisers report kids just not working hard this year, and in some cases it may be the adviser! What to do to get your group doing their best work? Listen to a conversation with yearbooking legend Margaret Sorrows, now a Jostens Ambassador and the former 36-year mu…
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The Yearbooking Report, Mid November 2022
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52:27
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52:27Your yearbook staff is probably very busy with page designing right now. But WHAT designing? HOW are you designing? and WHY those choices? Listen to a fact filled interview with Rick Brooks of Jostens, a nationally known design concept expert. Be ready to take notes as Rick offers ideas, advice, trends and inspiration on the FEEL of a yearbook them…
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Ask Mike | Onward to Orlando with Boone High School
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16:18In this episode, taped live from Elite Weekend in Orlando, Mike sits down with the editors of Boone High School to discuss their yearbook.By Walsworth Yearbooks
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The Yearbooking Report, Early October 2022
1:13:39
1:13:39
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1:13:39It's the PHOTO Episode with great ideas, advice and inspiration from veteran freelance photographer and photo instructor Mike McLean. This one goes a little long because Mike has so much great information and stories to share, all tied to improving your photography this year. Get ready to take LOTS of notes...…
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Ask Mike | Mike Goes Down to Florida to Visit Dreyfoos School of the Arts
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36:54In this episode, Mike chats with Faith Parksinson, Editor-in-chief at A. W .Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida. Their chat comes fresh off an Elite Weekend they both attended, and Mike and Faith discuss what was learned in the busy three days in Orlando.By Walsworth Yearbooks
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Ask Mike | Staying in North Carolina with Southern Alamance High School
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39:00
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39:00This week, Mike Taylor is in a different part of North Carolina as he continues his interviews from all over the country. In this episode, Mike speaks to Adviser Lynn Bare and the staff of the Southern Alamance High School yearbook. The Southerner’s Editor-in-Chief Noel, Assistant Editor Kinley, Sports Editor Lexie, Business Manager Emma, and staff…
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Ask Mike | Heading South to Athens Drive Magnet School
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41:22
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41:22Ask Mike is traveling the country this season! The last episode was from Maine, and for episode two Mike traveled south to North Carolina to talk to staff members from Athens Drive Magnet School. Co-editors-in-chief Zoe and Greta and Head of Design Nevaeh shared their thoughts on creating a yearbook for the 2022/2023 year.…
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The Yearbooking Report, Late August 2022
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1:01:22
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1:01:22Welcome back to a new school year - and we're ready no matter what challenges may come. Are YOU ready? This episode will help you get there with great advice, ideas and inspiration from guest Sarah Nichols, one of the top student journalism advisers in America and president of the Journalism Education Association (JEA.) Listen for thoughts on effec…
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Ask Mike | Back to School with Presque Isle High School
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40:49Ask Mike is back! This season, host Mike Taylor will chat with yearbook staffs all over the United States, starting with Presque Isle, Maine, in the far northeast corner of the country. Listen in to hear about the 2023 yearbook plans for Presque Isle High School, ideas for coverage that you can use, and more information about potatoes than you'd ex…
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