Colton, CA—Creating the annual yearbook is a time consuming process for the CHS Crimson & Gold publications team, one that often doesn’t come with it the spoils of victory enjoyed by athletic teams or more public organizations. On Friday, May 3, the hours spent crafting the yearbook paid off as the Crimson & Gold was awarded with inclusion in Varsity Yearbook’s annual “Portfolio.”

Varsity yearbook, one of the nation’s leading publishers of yearbooks, annually publishes their “Portfolio” as a collection of the best-of-the-best student yearbook work across the country.

According to the publisher, from the 612 schools they represent, “Portfolio” “represents the top ten percent of books printed by Varsity Yearbook, reflecting the dedication and hard work of each school’s yearbook staff.”

Two examples from Colton High’s 2023 yearbook, “Turn & Look” were selected for inclusion. One was a photo by Edith Orta called “Admiration,” featuring Ms. Daisy Contreras hard at work as students look on her admiringly. Additionally, the book’s photo spread for “Photos of the Year” was also selected, highlighting the 10 best photos taken by the yearbook staff during the 2022-23 school year.

“This yearbook staff put everything they had into the creation of the 2023 book. To see their work honored as among the best in the nation is incredibly rewarding,” said Jeremiah Dollins, advisor for Colton High’s Crimson & Gold yearbook staff. “And while this is a huge win for us, it’s an even bigger win for our school community, who inspired all the hard work.”

The award for yearbook excellence comes at a good time, as the yearbook team prepares to release the 2024 yearbook on Friday, May 10. Students who pre-ordered the yearbook will have it delivered to them during the school day.