A strong theme presentation unifies the yearbook verbally and visually. Theme statements are similar to slogans used in television commercials and magazine advertisements. The theme catch phrase, just like an advertising slogan, summaries the product and creates its image with a few dynamic words. These words might include lingo or phrasing that appeals to the audience. The theme presentation unifies the book visually through a variety of techniques including a consistent graphic look.
Ideas can come from unique events and happenings.
Something unique to the year, such as the opening of a new building, implementation of a block schedule, switching from open to closed campus, the passage or failure of a bond election, celebration of an important school anniversary or winning a state championship are all unique happenings that could inspire a theme statement. Themes have many functions. Theme statements reflect pride by involving the school colors or mascot if they can be specific to the year and school. Theme slogans can be serious, fun, pose a question or make a statement. They can also make readers feel special by allowing for personalization through such techniques as gluing a student s portrait on the front endsheet or stamping a student s name on the cover.