Extracurriculars took group photos last Thursday, Friday in the PHS auditorium for the 2025-2026 yearbook edition, which is on track to be fully submitted around Feb. 20. Students were photographed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with yearbook staff members positioned at the side of the room recording names, assisting students and organizing the event.

“I think group photos went well this year, with the use of Chromebooks for taking names of each row (making) captioning so much easier,” Carley Richey, junior, yearbook social editor said. “Both Thursday and Friday were about the same. We spread out the big groups on both days and put them in between the smaller groups.”

In total, approximately 95 group photos were taken over the two days, with some participants including UIL, Mu Alpha Theta, student council, NHS and more.

“My favorite part of taking group photos is getting recognized for the activities I have participated in this year,” junior Ria Seera, NHS member said. “Also being able to have my memorable experience to look back on in the yearbook.”

Junior Charlotte Shin, an officer for PHS Disciples, said the process went smoothly.

“I think the group photo days were very thoughtfully organized and was ran with a very efficient system,” Shin said. “I liked how easy it was to take the photo and that there were no complications.”

Shin’s favorite part of receiving the yearbook is seeing the school as a community.

“I think our yearbook committee does such a wonderful job at displaying the culture and traditions that we have at this school, and that students really are what make up the school,” Shin said. “I’m most excited to see how the yearbook team blends and puts all the different photos together in their own style.”

The group photos utilize a large amount of spreads, furthering the nearly finished yearbook’s progress.

“This month, we have done weekly deadlines to catch up on some pages and turn them in bits at a time,” Richey said. “Toward the end, it becomes all hands on deck and everyone is helping everyone.”

Students will receive their yearbooks at the end of the school year.

“The yearbook being almost done is bittersweet,” Richey said. “I love being on yearbook and seeing my work come together, seeing all my work and everyone else come together into one publication is the best — especially when we get it in the mail. I love having the time to just be with my staff, we get so close over the year and having days of just being together and making memories while also still getting work done are the best.”

This article was edited by Emily Logan, Johnathan Tristan and Palak Agarwalla.