Northwest yearbooks claims first in state
By Nancy Patterson| 8/17/09

On the day that the new Northwest Mississippi Community College yearbook staff gathered for the first class lead adviser Renate Ferreira was able to announce that the college has just learned that the 2009 Rocketeer had claimed first place in the Mississippi Community/Junior College Press Association (MC/JCPA) competition.

“Indelible” was the theme for the 224-page, four-color book, edited by sophomore art major Lizzy Gray of Southaven. The book received 1040 points out of a possible 1100 possible points.

“Wow. The Northwest staff has done a good job. You have a solid yearbook with good photography, good design, consistent use of fonts and theme development. The writers over all have done a good job on copy – providing fact and quotes. Congratulations to the Rocketeer staff on a job well done,” said competition judge Catherine Bradshaw in her comments.

It has become a tradition for Northwest yearbooks to do well in state competition. Over the past years, the publication has claimed first-place awards in 2008, 2005, 2003, 2000, 1998 and 1997. The book was printed by Taylor Publishing Company in Dallas, Texas.

“I’m thrilled that the 2009 Rocketeer staffis being recognized for their outstanding contributions to the yearbook. This is an incredible honor that could not have been obtained without the dedication and determinationof these students,” said lead adviser Renate Ferreira.

Students at Northwest who work on the publication are enrolled in one of four sections of College Publications, which is a one-hour lab class for yearbook or newspaper production. The work takes place in the Ann Y. Whitten Student Media Center in Yalobusha Hall on the Senatobia campus, which is equipped with Macintosh computers.

“We are extremely grateful to the Mississippi Press Association Education Foundation which has awarded us grants for the past few years,” said Nancy Patterson, director of Public Relations and student publications adviser.  “Last year MPA provided an iMac computer, to be used by newspaper and yearbook staffs, and a digital Rebel camera, also to be used by students. This year we were awarded funds for the purchase of video equipment so that we can include video news clips for our Ranger Rocket online edition.”

Students work under the leadership of an editor and receive guidance from advisers including Ferreira and Patterson, Assistant Director of Public Relations Julie Bauer, Public Relations Assistant Brittany Greer and Assistant for Sports Information Brett Brown. Former PR Assistant LaJuan Tallo also assisted in advising the 2009 Rocketeer staff.

For more information on the Northwest journalism program or college publications, contact Ferreira at (662) 562-3275 or by e-mail at rferreira@northwestms.edu.