School Yearbook Superlatives

Correct School Yearbook Superlatives
Written by Chrysanthie Jumper
February 2nd 2021

As college acceptances roll in and high school draws to a close for seniors at Melrose High School, the promise of graduation and the commemorative items that come with it are a welcome sight to many students. However, recent controversy surrounding the survey determining senior superlatives for the yearbook has brought into question the level of inclusivity provided by the process. The senior superlative survey prompted students to select a male (he/him) and female (she/her) option for each superlative. Unfortunately, students who use they/them, xi/xer, or a combination of pronouns cannot comfortably be submitted into the survey without taking a step to delegitimize their gender identity.

The nuance and complex nature of gender identity can be difficult to understand, especially for those who have little or no exposure to the subject. Although there is an increased awareness of non-binary gender identies at Melrose High School, gender non-conforming students are largely left to advocate for themselves; it’s unfair to expect students to fight for acknowledgement of their identities in a public facility, especially when those students go largely unnrepresented in the bodies tasked with representing them. This idea is mirrored by Melrose High School Student Max Vollertson, who writes “I think it is interesting that in this time where we as a community should be so aware of ourselves, something so ostracizing can appear in a public forum. It makes apparent the need for diverse coalitions of individuals to work on projects that should represent everybody.”

The Melrose High School yearbook staff recognizes the need to facilitate conversation about this issue and has been open to feedback and criticism from students. The staff is currently in the process of setting up a joint meeting with the GSA in order to address the future of the yearbook. Listening to and understanding alternative perspectives is the first step to creating change. However, the lack of visibility and education surrounding gender non-comforming students means they’re often not considered during decisions that affect them directly, such as yearbook planning. Giving students not classically supported by the public school system a space to advocate for themselves is integral to creating products that represent all Melrose High School students.