Friday, April 26, the 2019 Summit yearbook delivered a picture-packed recap of Pensacola Christian College activities from late spring of 2018 to early spring 2019. From the style and theme to the dedication and signatures people obtain, the 2019 Summit is a precious reminder of the year at PCC.
When students at long last got their hands on the elegantly-embossed, linen-covered book, they eagerly flipped the pages to find their pictures and see what events were featured in various sections. Some students fawned over the design while others noted the connection of the book’s theme, Rise Up. The student body’s theme inspired people to continue reaching for new heights.
As students flowed into the Field House on distribution day, an excited chatter echoed in the room. Students scurried about requesting signatures from friends and sharing their own when requested. Each new entry in their book created a new memory for them to hold in their hands.
“My favorite thing about the yearbook is having people sign it,” said Stephanie Kile (Graduate Assistant). “They generally say nice things, and I feel so loved. My second favorite thing is when they ask you to sign theirs.”
While students enjoyed receiving the book, the yearbook staff was excited to deliver the results of their hard work. Faculty advisor, Mrs. Esther Hallman, works nearly year-round with the lead editor to create an edition of the Summit that will be loved and cherished. The student staff spends the equivalent of two semesters dedicating their time to help bring the Summit to life. Whether through departmental meetings, organizing staff, or planning and designing, hours upon hours of time are dedicated to creating a yearbook that captures the PCC spirit.
“The most exciting thing about the distribution of the Summit is the students’ reaction,” said Mrs. Hallman. ‘All year long, we choose pictures, research, write, and design with the student body in mind. I love being able to put their memories from the last year in pictures and writing. I hope that when they look back through their books down the road from now, they’ll remember everything that God did for them this past year.”
The excitement of the Summit release was accompanied by a dedication of the book in chapel. This year, Dr. Charlene Monk was honored for her 40 years of service. Dr. Monk has served faithfully at PCC in the Visual and Performing Arts department, even playing a key role in creating the M.F.A. program in Dramatics. During the dedication, students enjoyed getting to hear from Dr. Monk and putting a face to a character that has played many behind-the-scenes parts whether it was organizing Sunday Reflections or spearheading Fine Arts productions.
“Compiling a yearbook is very much like mounting a Fine Arts production,” Dr. Monk stated. “There are many people involved and a lot of behind-the-scenes work.” She went on to quote Psalm 37:4, “‘Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.’ God is good. God is faithful. I can truly say He has given me the desires of my heart.”
During the dedication chapel, students also learned of a new feature the Summit has developed to expand the pictures and memories available for viewing. For the first time, a printable PDF will be made available after Commencement so that students can see pictures from events that didn’t make it into the Summit book. In the past, pictures taken after February have been excluded from the book because of the deadline for sending the Summit to print. This new method for making extra event pictures available sooner will especially benefit seniors.
“This idea was really inspired by wanting to allow graduating students the opportunity to see their memories from this final semester,” said Mrs. Hallman. “The idea is that they can obtain their memories from spring events without having to buy a new book.”
With the excitement the Summit brings to the PCC family, memories are cemented, printed in ink for years to come. If each picture is worth a thousand words, this year’s Summit has proven to be worth a million.