Joining a new class can be intimidating, especially one as important and public as a yearbook class. But, for senior Victoria Ennouini, taking that leap led to an achievement few can accomplish: becoming Editor-in-Chief in only her second year taking a yearbook.

Victoria Ennouini joined yearbook as a junior. She was a team member – learning the basics of photography, interviewing, and design. This year, in her senior year, Ennouini stepped into the top leadership role in the class. “Last year was my first year. I was just a regular team member,” said Ennouini. “And then this year, I’m an Editor-in-Cheif.”

Typically, yearbook students spend years moving through roles: team member to team leader before becoming an editor. Because of this, Ennouini felt like she was at a disadvantage compared to her other fellow editors who had “more experience”. “I think I definitely felt like I faced a disadvantage compared to the other editors because they were already in yearbook for three years,” said Ennouini.

Designing her first spread was nerve-wracking, she said. Knowing the entire school would eventually see her work made her feel pressured and nervous. “I remember designing my first spread; I was really scared and nervous because everyone looked at the yearbook,” said Ennouni. “I didn’t want people to look and be like, ‘Oh, that’s really ugly.’”

Despite those fears, Ennouini pushed through. She credits her growth to learning quickly and having strong support from the yearbook community. “I think with something like a yearbook, you pick it up really quickly,” she said. “Having the people in the yearbook class and my other editors supporting me definitely helped me.” 

As an Editor-in-Chief, Ennouini plays a major role in keeping the class organized and productive. Each day begins with planning alongside the other editors. “We kind of go over the agenda for the day and make sure people take pictures and stuff,” she said. From there, she leads her groups by assigning tasks, organizing interviews, and managing page design.

Ennouini has developed her own leadership style, one focused on structure and teamwork. “I personally like to pick out the pictures for my groups and add the people to the coverage sheet,” she said. “I think it’s just easier on them and keeps everyone in the same space.”

She also makes sure no one feels overwhelmed or left behind. “No one likes to do interviews by themselves; it’s scary,” said Ennouini, explaining why she sends students out in pairs. If someone struggles, she steps in. “If I notice someone’s not doing what they need, I’ll help them.”

When it comes to design, Ennouini enjoys creative freedom but acknowledges the challenges. “Pros, I think you have a lot of creativity, and every editor has their own style,” Ennouini said. “Cons, E-Design, the website we use to design the spreads, is kind of confusing at first, and sometimes things can get repetitive.”

Currently, Ennouini is working on spreads for the boys varsity basketball team and winter cheer, two topics she enjoys because of how well they connect. Still, what she values most isn’t the pages themselves but the people behind them. “I definitely love the people in the yearbook,” she said. “I don’t feel judged when I ask questions or need help. It’s very open.”

Looking ahead, Ennouini hopes others will take chances the way she did. Her advice to future editors and new members is simple but meaningful, “Just try your best and work closely with your group,” she said. “You’re better off doing it right the first time than rushing and getting it wrong.”

In just two years, Victoria Ennouini has proven that confidence, collaboration, and commitment matter more than time, and her impact will be seen on every page of this year’s yearbook.