Class of 2024 Graduation Edition

The Project

This layout celebrated the graduating Class of 2024 from all three local high schools. It ran as a front page + double truck spread in the Fauquier Times and remains one of the most meaningful pieces I’ve ever designed.

The Concept

As the first class to graduate post-COVID, these students had been through a lot. I wanted the design to reflect not just their resilience, but their individuality, and to tell a broader story that went beyond valedictorians and top athletes. This was about capturing a generation shaped by challenge, growth, and grit.

The Personal Connection

 My daughter was among the graduates that year, which gave this project a personal weight I’d never felt before. Designing a layout that included her and her friends, while staying true to editorial standards,  pushed me to approach the piece not just as a designer, but as a parent and community member.

The Design Challenge

The biggest challenge was organizing a large volume of student photos and stories in a way that felt clear, balanced, and visually engaging. I made sure each school had equal visibility, and focused on curating a diverse mix of students to reflect the true makeup of the class. It was less about hierarchy, and more about heart.

The Outcome

 The layout ran as a full front page with a double truck inside spread and was recognized with a Virginia Press Association award for its design and storytelling. It celebrated student achievement with warmth and style, and struck an emotional chord with both readers and staff. This was more than just a graduation feature. It was a love letter to a class that had been through so much and still showed up smiling.