Wilson jumps in with new ideas for the Aristocrat yearbook.
by Lauren Abrams
photo by Kevin Fleming
As soon as the job opening for the Thomas Jefferson High School Yearbook Advisor came into her radar, English Teacher Amber Wilson knew it was the job for her.
Wilson is a new addition to TJ’s faculty, and is happy to be experiencing the High School atmosphere again. “I love the maturity of students here in high school. You can have fun but also get down to business when it’s time to work,” said Wilson.
Before coming to TJ, Wilson taught English at Grant Middle School, Baker Middle School, and Denver West High School. “I was looking for a challenge, and as soon as I logged onto the Thomas Jefferson website and saw the writing level of the students, I was more than excited to make my move to TJ. It was time to up the ante and hang out with the big kids,” said Wilson.
At her previous jobs, Wilson had also been the yearbook advisor. “Back at the schools I’ve taught at in the past, I had to basically put the entire yearbook together myself. Here at TJ I’m learning how to be more of a guide, since the editors and staff play a huge part in the making of the yearbook as a whole,” stated Wilson.
At TJ, the yearbook is made almost 100% by the students. They design all of the pages, and as of last year they even bind the books together. “I love the work ethic of the kids here; they are incredibly hard workers and great writers,” said Wilson.
In addition to the new responsibilities of the yearbook, Wilson is also teaching American Literature previously taught by Jeff Almond. “She seems very enthusiastic about taking on the task of teaching two American Literature classes as well as being the new yearbook advisor. She’s contributed greatly to the TJ faculty this year and we’re very lucky to have her,” said Almond.
“The fact that TJ had a yearbook opening solidified my want for the job. I love teaching English and the small atmosphere of the school is also a plus for me,” said Wilson.
Students and staff at TJ are anticipating the release of this year’s Artistocrat as well as Wilson’s new approach to the overall design. “I have lots of new layout ideas, but they won’t come into effect until later on in the year,” said Wilson.
The design of the new yearbook is always kept under wraps for the majority of the year, but Wilson filled in as much as she could about this year’s edition. “We’re all using photography is new ways. We have an original idea this year. A bit more sophisticated than last year’s yearbook.”
This year’s Editor in Chief, Rachel Walker, only had good things to say about Wilson. “Our last yearbook advisor has some tough shoes to fill, but Amber is doing a great job so far.”
