By Leisl Lemire | Special to the Advertiser

The Chilton County High School yearbook staff has been hard at work on a special edition of the 2015-16 Silver Shield.

Making the edition particularly interesting this year is that with each purchase of the hard copy yearbook, a code is provided for downloading an application that makes all the high school memories easily accessible on a phone or personal computer device, Principal Cynthia Stewart said.

“The things that can be done during these times of digital experience are just amazing,” Stewart said. “Students can go beyond the printed book.”

While the Silver Shield staff members are genuinely excited about the digital option, they all seemed to agree that it won’t replace the traditional yearbook format.

“Nothing replaces holding the hard copy, final edition in your hands because of all the effort and hard work that go into its production,” staff member Abbey Thornton said.

In addition to going digital, yearbook staff member Kyra Dawson pointed out the uniqueness of this year’s edition as it will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first graduating class of Chilton County High School, along with the first football team representing the school.

“Without revealing too many secrets, there are going to be some interesting contrasts presented that many in the community might be interested to see,” staff sponsor and teacher Angela Wilson said.

Wilson said the possibility of digitally signing the yearbook is not currently an option, nor does she expect the yearbook to go exclusively digital anytime soon.

That is probably for the best, as the handwritten messages posted throughout yearbooks with heartfelt and embarrassing proclamations of true love and dedicated friendship should be preserved for all time—and are part of what is treasured (and laughed at) years later upon high school remembrance.

The last day to order yearbooks is Jan. 19. Students can order them online at www.yearbookordercenter.com, using order No. 1723.

Members of the community may purchase a yearbook in the CCHS main office for $75.

The school is located at 1214 Seventh St. S. in Clanton. Call (205) 280-2710 for more information.