With struggles of technology and hours upon days of hard work, “The Panther” yearbook team’s diligent work finally pays off. The team earned a Spartan, and the staff could not be any happier.

“I was really, really surprised because last year we had so many problems with technology, like coming to class and the whole not knowing if Adobe Indesign was going to work that day or if the K drive or the internet was going to be up,” yearbook Editor-in-Chief McKenzie Carpenter said.     

The Spartan is the highest ranking state honor among yearbook and news staffs. The award is a very prestigious one, requiring hours of work before, during and after school.

“This particular Spartan win was very meaningful,” yearbook adviser Elizabeth Cyr said. “I think it is incredibly difficult. You know, it is a out of state judge. The person who judges does not know your community and your leadership and that person takes a glimpse into your life without a lot of background. The person does not really know you.”

The yearbook staff offers advice for other staffs to use if they are looking to win a Spartan.

“Always have creative ideas,”yearbook Editor-in-Chief Logan Gauss said. “Don’t be afraid to say your ideas because if you are thinking it then most likely someone else is thinking it too. It’s probably something that’s going to be awesome.”