This year’s Amherst Yearbook was exceptional, if I do say so myself. And an exceptional Yearbook doesn’t happen alone — it comes from the hard work of everyone in the Yearbook class along with the efforts and vision of the editors. This year, that included me, Faith Sopa, and Tiris Byrd.

But the Yearbook editors have graduated now, and it’s time for the new editors to take over. Next year’s editors will be Athena Nowland as Photo Editor, Natalie Danz as Design Editor, and Alex Duley as Editor in Chief.

Let’s find out what made them join Yearbook, what kind of leader they will be, their advice for people thinking about joining, and what made them decide to apply to be an editor. 

Alex Duley, Editor in Chief

“I got into Yearbook in the first place because I met Merry, the Yearbook Advisor,” junior Alex Duley said. “Slowly I learned more about what Yearbook is all about and the benefits from being in it.

“I wanted to become the Editor in Chief next year because of the progress I’ve made compared to last year. I want to make a difference in the room and be known as a leader and someone people can ask for help. 

“I think people should join Yearbook if they have a creative mind and want to use it. It’s an easy way to show who you are.”

Natalie Danz, Design Editor

“What got me into Yearbook in the first place was seeing how cool the Yearbooks were after they were published,” sophomore Natalie Danz said. “I wanted to be part of that.”

So what made Natalie decide she wanted to be an editor after just one year?

“I felt like I would be able to do more and make more of a difference in the Yearbook instead of just putting my stamp on a few pages.

“I will strive to be a leader who is fun and easy to talk to but also makes sure the Yearbook gets done.

“If someone asked me if they should join Yearbook, my advice is to do it,” Natalie added. “It is so much fun and so worth your time.”

Athena Nowland, Photo Editor

“Natalie Danz said that I should join Yearbook with her, and now I love it,” sophomore Athena Nowland said. “I never thought about being an editor until Merry said I have an eye for choosing good pictures.”

“I want to be the kind of leader who can help people when they need help and someone they can lean on.

“If someone wanted to join our class, I would tell them that Yearbook takes commitment. You can’t slack off on any of your work if you want the Yearbook to look good.

So these are the 2026-27 Yearbook editors. After working with them over the last year, I think they are amazing, hard-working people and I am happy they became editors. They deserve it! I made good memories with them. They will be amazing leaders, and they will definitely make an amazing Yearbook.

Congratulations future editors for achieving these titles. Who knows, maybe your Yearbook will be as good as or even better than this year’s book.