Controversial yearbook title leads to resignation of sponsor
A recent publication of an area yearbook has caused the yearbook sponsor Nicole Jackson to resign.
Some Plainview residents and school administrators are upset over the title. Caleb Sims, a Junior at Plainview High School, says the critics are taking the yearbook’s title, “Time Well Wasted,” out of context.
The yearbook’s theme is “Time Well Wasted,” was apparently taken from a song by country music singer Brad Paisley. The cover artwork of a melting digital clock on the front of the yearbook is inspired by surrealist painter Salvador Dali.
While the theme of the yearbook, which is supported by advertising from local businesses, reportedly was meant to be a play on words and another way to say “time well spent” and was not intended to be negative, it didn’t come off that way to many parents, teachers and even other students.
There is also controversy about a poem in the yearbook. If you only look at the first letter of each line it seems to spell out vulgar suggestion. The hidden message is found on one of the pages sponsored by two senior boys. The principal is quoted saying she does not believe it’s a coincidence. The message is composed of the first letter in each line of the following narrative:
“Finally, after four years of aimlessly roaming these glorious halls
Under the brilliant guidance of our teachers we have learned so much
Choosing the high road, these four years have made us better people,
Kind and nurturing teachers ingratiated this establishment in our hearts.
Paragon of educational excellence, oh Plainview High School
Hail thee, the Alma Mater of our formative years.
So long PHS!”
The students that wrote the poem says it is a coincidence. And, if that wasn’t enough, apparently some seniors’ photos were left out of the yearbook.
According to the Plainview Daily Herald, the PHS principal, Lisa Kersh, said she’s “addressing the situation” and said discipline, which she cannot discuss due to privacy laws, is forthcoming. Kersh also apologizes to the PHS, the faculty and the students.
Several students are now planning to show their support for Mrs. Jackson and the yearbook by wearing T-shirts that say “Time Well Wasted” on the front and “Go Mrs. Jackson” on the back.