Yearbook editors, from left, Carly Russell, Emma Jameson, Ariel Ludwick, Hialeah Stanton, Brigit Cook and Gabby Hodak holding the Gold Level Jostens Yearbook Program of Excellence award.

Months of hard work by Eisenhower Middle High School’s student editors and advisers paid off this spring when the school’s yearbook program was named a Gold Level recipient of the 2026 Jostens National Yearbook Program of Excellence award.

The award, announced by Jostens on May 28, recognizes schools that create engaging, inclusive yearbooks while helping students develop valuable skills in communication, collaboration, leadership, journalism, photography, design and technology.

Eisenhower’s award-winning yearbook staff is led by student editors Ariel Ludwick, Hialeah Stanton, Carly Russell, Brigit Cook, Emma Jameson and Gabby Hodak under the direction of yearbook adviser Jessica McElhaney.

“The editors have brought wonderful leadership to the yearbook this year and were dedicated to producing wonderful memories for their student body,” McElhaney said. “They have worked hard to give Eisenhower the best yearbook and create many pages of memories.”

The Jostens National Yearbook Program of Excellence recognizes schools that excel in creating an inclusive yearbook, generating school engagement and successfully managing the yearbook production process. Awards are presented twice annually, in the spring and fall, based on a school’s yearbook delivery schedule.

To achieve Gold Level recognition, schools must demonstrate excellence in three key areas: meeting production deadlines, achieving strong yearbook sales and ensuring broad student representation throughout the publication. Gold-level programs are recognized for creating a yearbook that reflects the experiences of a large percentage of the student body while maintaining high standards of project management and accessibility.

Jostens Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Yearbook Division Tammy Whitaker praised the accomplishments of the honored schools.

“Jostens is proud to recognize those individuals who have created an exceptional yearbook for their school and community,” Whitaker said. “These schools did an exceptional job on multiple levels. Yearbooks are a critical part of capturing and telling a school’s story.”

The recognition places Eisenhower among an elite group of schools nationwide whose yearbook programs have demonstrated outstanding achievement in student journalism and publication management.