Stephen J. Truog moved to Arizona in 2005 to begin a career in teaching after a decade working in Chicagoland media. A graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, he worked as a copy editor, page designer,...

Amy is a recovered English teacher turned graphic design teacher. She advised yearbooks for 21 years. Like so many, she was asked to take on yearbook with little background as a second year teacher. She counts it one of the b...

Ashley Fivecoat, a Moon Valley High School alumna, discovered her love of journalism as a student, serving as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper all four years. She earned her B.A. in Secondary Education (English) from ASU and now teaches English and ...

Melanie Allen is a dedicated English educator with more than 20 years of experience. She taught for 17 years at Moon Valley High School, where she advised The Rocket Reporter and chaired the Language Arts department. After serving as Communications Director for Parents of...

Deanne Hutchison worked for over 25 years with two publications at Sunnyslope High School in Phoenix, where she also served as a technology mentor for several years. She advised Viking Views, the school newspaper, and the Val...

James King Pereyra advises Journalism and Publications classes at Sunnyslope High School in Phoenix. He inherited publications that have been thriving since the 1950's in The Viking Views Newspaper and Valhalla Yearbook. Since...

Jake Kelly has taught visual and media arts at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix since 2016 and currently chairs the Art & Innovation Department. He teaches Journalism, Digital Photography, AP Studio Art, and Digital Media Prod...

Jason Davis, CJE, advised the production of 17 yearbooks in 15 years, mainly Cactus Canyon Jr. High, but also at Apache Junction High School for the last two. The CCJH Oro earned multiple honors as a CSPA Gold Crown and NSPA Pacemaker...

Tamara Tapia is a 30-year veteran educator who began advising yearbook early in her career. She built Mesa High School’s award-winning yearbook program, earning recognition such as Varsity Brand’s Most Spirited Yearbook ...

Heather (Jancoski) Putnam graduated from St. Cloud State University with a major in Elementary Education and minors in Social Sciences and IT. After moving to Arizona, she spent six years teaching 2nd grade, three years teaching middle school computers and photojo...

Curtis Dutiel is the Digital Photography and Yearbook teacher at Desert View High School in Tucson. The 2025–26 school year marks his 11th year in this position and his 35th year in public education....

Nicole Davis began her education career in 1999 as an instructional aide in the Kyrene School District. After earning a B.A. in Secondary English Education from ASU, she became a full-time English teacher and yearbook advi...