Leadership and Team Building

Since recently taking on a leadership position on the OSHS Yearbook Staff, I have learned the importance of knowing each and every person on staff as a friend but also as family. This year's yearbook staff is the closest staff that my yearbook advisor has ever had. I am extremely grateful to be a part of this year's staff because knowing them has not only made me happier but has also broadened my horizons on what it means to be a leader.

These are photos of this year's Yearbook Staff. This year we have gone through many highs and lows but have ultimately prevailed and pushed through. This staff has grown so close and because of that, I am forever grateful. I have met some of my best friends that have seen me at my highest and my lowest and because of that, I have changed as a person. Each person on this year's staff has taught me something that I will forever hold close to my heart. I am so immensely proud of this year's staff and everything that they have gone and pushed through.

2025 Fall MSPA Convention

Here are photos from this year's 2025 Fall MSPA Convention. This event served as a huge opportunity for staff members to bond with each other and our yearbook advisor. For some members on staff, this was their first MSPA experience but this was my second MSPA at the University of Southern Mississippi. My memories from MSPA range from winning my first ever journalism award to getting to drink milkshakes at Ed's Burger Joint to celebrate our wins from the day. I have nothing but fond memories from MSPA and I can't wait to make more!

This is a photo of a group of us going to take pictures of team practices after school.

Here is another photo of fellow staff members and I attending a workshop at the 2025 MSPA Fall Convention.

Above is a photo of the updated yearbook staff taking our staff photo in the OSHS Media Center.

A Word From My Peers

"I've known Gemma Wallis for two years and she has been such a big help in making the yearbook. Gemma is a very hardworking student who strives for success in everything she does and with that being said, having Gemma as my peer in Yearbook I can confidently say that she never misses a beat when it comes to any task she is assigned. She is very helpful whenever you need it, and never fails to push others to do their best." - Keeli Reynolds, OSHS Yearbook Head of Staff

"My experience with Gemma has been so much fun. We went from not knowing each other to becoming close friends, and I’m so grateful for that. She brings such a kind, positive energy to everything she does. I aspire to be even half the photographer she is one day. Yearbook truly wouldn’t be the same without her dedication, talent, and kindness." - Peyton Jordan, OSHS Yearbook Staff Member

"I've known Gemma Wallis for four years and my experience in yearbook with her has been amazing. She has helped out a lot with stepping up when members of our leadership team left the staff." - Cohen Thomas, OSHS Yearbook Staff Member and Football Player

"I have known Gemma since 7th grade and my yearbook experience with her has been great. She is always up to help others when things get stressful and her passion for yearbook and photography radiates off of her. She is always supportive of others and encourages us to do our very best and her friendly push has gotten our book to where it is today." - Alyssa Kate Lewis, OSHS Yearbook Staff Member and Varsity Dancer

"Gemma and I have been friends since we were born. Our dads coached basketball together which then turned into our lifelong friendship. She is the true definition of a day 1 friend. She is always willing to lend a helping hand and always puts in 100% effort." - Laurie Bell Sisco, OSHS Yearbook Staff Member and Varsity Dancer

Along with taking photos for yearbook, I love to take photos of myself with my friends on staff! The photos below are from the beginning of my high school career to present day. These memories in the making are so important to me and I don't want to lose them!

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