Class of 2024 Graduation Edition

Strategic Direction

As the first graduating class post-COVID, this group represented resilience and transition. The design needed to move beyond traditional valedictorian-focused coverage and instead reflect a broader cross-section of student experiences. The goal was to capture both achievement and authenticity without relying on rigid hierarchy.

Design Challenge

The primary challenge was organizing a large volume of student portraits and stories into a layout that felt balanced, inclusive, and visually cohesive. Equal visibility across all three schools was a priority, requiring careful control of pacing, scale, and placement. The structure needed to accommodate diversity in photography quality and narrative length while preserving clarity and flow.

Outcome

 The final layout ran as a full front page and double truck feature and received a Virginia Press Association award for design and storytelling. It demonstrated the ability to manage high-volume content, uphold editorial standards, and create an emotionally resonant yet structurally disciplined presentation.