To call Veronika merely a sales rep truly does her an injustice. As a new adviser last year I was clearly over my head when it came to assembling a yearbook, despite a degree in print journalism and a news reporting background. Veronika was patient, cheerful and positive every time we worked together. She took time to visit my school and conduct mini-lessons for my greenhorn middle school staff on Online Design, she took phone calls on weekends and after business hours and she never stopped encouraging us to keep working.

Her positive persistence paid off; not only was our book selected for the Walsworth Gallery of Excellence, but it was also awarded a silver medal by CSPA and the honor rating of First Class with Two Marks of Distinction by NSPA. I was also the first time our school’s book sold out. None of these honors or recognitions would have occurred without Veronika’s guidance.

Due to budget cuts, my yearbook program has been completely disbanded. There is no class, no club, and I am receiving absolutely no stipend to create this year’s book by myself in my spare time. Throughout what I perceived to be another trying year, Veronika has been supportive and positive yet again. When my colleagues (including fellow yearbook advisers) ask why in the world I would subject myself to so much work I simply tell them that I made a commitment to my sales rep, and I knew she would be there to support me. That in itself should speak volumes about the kind of person she is, personally and professionally.

Christina Lambard
Yearbook Adviser
Westglades Middle School, Parkland, FL