This yearbook marked our first collaboration with Baldwin Park High School (BPHS), with Heather Malone serving as the adviser at the time. Before partnering with United Yearbook, the school faced a number of challenges—most notably, the yearbook's lack of popularity among students. For years, BPHS had struggled with unsold inventory and diminishing student interest, resulting in financial losses. The yearbook team couldn't break even until prior debts were paid off. Our mission was clear: revive the tradition of the yearbook on campus and help BPHS move from debt to profit.

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During senior portrait days, one of our representatives visited campus to better understand why yearbooks weren’t resonating with students. It became apparent that many of the students’ parents—many of whom were immigrants—were unfamiliar with the concept and cultural significance of the yearbook. Taking time to personally explain its importance, our representative helped parents see that the yearbook served as a lasting tribute to their children’s high school experience. Once they learned their child’s senior portrait would be featured, nearly every parent who visited our table purchased a copy. Even if the students themselves weren’t initially interested, their parents saw the value and proudly invested in preserving these memories. This breakthrough was a game-changer for Mrs. Malone and a key solution to one of her biggest challenges.

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To engage students as well, we introduced a creative concept—a heat-sensitive cover. This special treatment features a black ink layer that disappears when exposed to heat or light, revealing an image underneath. It added an exciting, interactive element that intrigued students and sparked renewed interest in the yearbook. This creative strategy helped restore the yearbook’s appeal and showed students that it could be both meaningful and fun.

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We also invited students to take part in designing the cover. A United Yearbook representative hosted a watercolor workshop where students were asked to create cloud-themed artwork. Six students participated, and the staff voted on the final design. The winning piece was used as the background of the main cover image, and the student artist received a gift card. This hands-on experience empowered the yearbook team and gave them a personal stake in the book’s success.

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While BPHS was exploring their options for a yearbook provider, another company matched our quote—but they lost the opportunity by refusing to involve the adviser in the marketing process. Their rigid approach didn’t allow for adviser input. In contrast, United Yearbook thrives on collaboration. We adapt to each school’s unique culture and believe advisers and student staff know their communities best. Our role is to support their vision, not override it. With BPHS, we listened, adapted, and partnered closely to meet their specific goals.

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The results spoke for themselves. That year, the yearbook sold out three times. Two years later, students were still asking to purchase it. Every extra copy—even damaged ones—was eventually sold. By the time Mrs. Malone stepped down, she had not only cleared the program’s past debt, but also left behind a profit for future advisers. Since our first partnership, BPHS has consistently sold out their yearbooks year after year.

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This remains one of our proudest success stories. We’re honored to have helped revive the yearbook tradition at Baldwin Park High School—and to have turned a struggling program into one of thriving creativity, pride, and sustainability.