"Dear Mr. Micheal Burgess, CEO of Jostens Publishing Company.
I would like to bring to light a very special yearbook representative at your company. Last year, I began a new teaching job and was assigned to be the Yearbook Adviser. I thought to myself, "No problem I have been doing yearbooks for over 20 years with Jostens!" I was completely mistaken in thinking it would be "no problem." The new school had a different yearbook company, and their rep was so unprofessional and unkind that by the time October arrived, I would not allow her in my classroom due to her unprofessional and dismissive attitude. I only had contact with that rep through email one or two more times that year. To say the least, it was a rough year. I began receiving these lovely outreach email messages from Cindy Vera at Jostens. Her emails were full of practical tips and ideas. I decided I had to convince my Administration that we needed to switch to Jostens. As soon as I got permission in January to make the switch and before we signed Jostens contract, Cindy came out in person to meet me and my students- and she came out to help my team more than once! She helped my seniors brainstorm for their superlative spread, even called our photographer right then and there, explained the situation, and made an appointment so they would be finished on time. Without Cindy's support, I am not sure my yearbook team would have made it through, and she wasn't even our rep yet. Creating and publishing a yearbook, as the reader of this letter well knows, takes a village!
By far, Cindy is the most responsive, supportive, and personable yearbook rep I have ever worked with.
Cindy goes out of her way to provide "real-time" responses and assistance. I am so impressed by her dedication to assist with everything from small quick questions to larger issues. She is professional and approachable, and my students and I love her! She visits us often, brings the team new ideas, makes videos with invaluable yearbook tips, and encourages everyone. The editorial team this year needed extra guidance as there were only two returnees from the previous year due to seniors graduating. The majority of the editors and staff were brand new. I was trying my best to teach the editors how to practice leadership skills and perform the duties required of their positions. Cindy came out and talked this leadership issue over with the editors and found a solution to allow them agency yet hold them to their responsibilities. Her solution aided their growth as effective leaders and helped me maintain my sanity around deadlines. Our 2025 yearbook is beautiful, and we are looking forward to delivery day.
When the LA fires happened, Cindy arranged and made a huge donation to our high school for the Altadena community, where many of our students and I had dear ones who lost everything. She encouraged all of her friends and community to donate and rented a van to bring out the huge donation.
Who does that? What yearbook rep cares so much about who they serve that they spend their time, money, and effort to help others? Not a one. I would love to see this outstanding treasure of a rep receive recognition from Jostens. Cindy Vera is a rare professional and human being, you are fortunate to have her on your team.
Warm Regards,
Kristina Faragher, MFA
Dept. Chair of VAPA
Yearbook Adviser"
"We switched our yearbook company to Jostens this year. Of course, all the amazing products they offer were important, but if I have to be honest, we made the switch primarily because of Cindy. My students disliked our previous yearbook company's rep so much that I actually had to ask her not to come to my class anymore; now they get excited when they hear that Cindy is coming. She brings a level of enthusiasm and positivity that lights up the class, and her professionalism and knowledge have made the transition to Yearbook Avenue very easy for my yearbookers. My favorite thing about having Cindy as our rep, other than her genuine excitement to be in the class and obvious love for what she does, is that she is accessible and responds almost immediately when I have questions, concerns, or just can't figure something out. Within a few minutes, I'll have a fully narrated video explanation and an offer of a Zoom meeting if I need additional help. She also comes to my class as often as I need, which has been instrumental in my students' transition. I could not be happier with our change to Jostens, and it is truly thanks to Cindy. I can not recommend her more strongly as your yearbook rep.
Thank you, Cindy!."
-Dave W.
"As a first year advisor, Cindy was instrumental in helping me and my staff succeed. She was always available (even on weekends) to answer questions and give advice.
Her enthusiastic support helped us create an amazing yearbook that resulted in record-breaking sales! I'm looking forward to another great yearbook and having Cindy on speed dial ready to help at a moments notice."
-Phillip H.
"Cindy is reliable, approachable, available and very good at sharing her ideas and expertise."
-Sr. Margaret M.
"I want to share the incredible way Cindy has shown up for our yearbook team and myself. Last year we were with a different company and basically did not have a rep. Cindy emailed our school about Jostens services and actually came out several times to meet our team and help them out before we even signed a contract with Jostens. She always goes above and beyond for us, we are so fortunate to have her as our rep this year!"
-Kristina F.
"Cindy is the perfect partner for busy yearbook advisers and their staffs. In the three years we've worked with her, my students and I have come to rely on her, and we genuinely look forward to her visits. She's incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and helpful. Her great sense of humor is icing on the cake!"
-Kristin T.
"Ask any adviser and they'll tell you that the key to a successful yearbook program is having the perfect rep. Cindy is exactly what a program needs. She's attentive, supportive, and has helped me take my program further than I ever could have imagined! My kids love her and look forward to each and every time she visits. A common question in my classroom is "What would Cindy think?""
-David L.
"After an unexpected turn of events last winter, Cindy assumed the role of our representative. Not only did she help us finish our award-winning yearbook last year, but also has become a vital part of the team this year. She comes in with strong creative direction, ready to interact with and aid our students to create their vision. Cindy has a great attitude and fantastic work ethic. We are looking forward to working with her over the upcoming years."
-Rick S.
"The idea of creating a school yearbook was a daunting task for me, I really didn’t know where to begin. Cindy came in and provided everything I could possibly need! She has amazing videos, great ideas, and a commitment level I’ve rarely seen. Her love and joy for yearbook design is simply second to none."
-Mike C.
"Since Cindy took over as a yearbook rep last year, she has been nothing shy of exceptional. She is available for support and advice whenever I have needed it. When her services weren't needed by me, she was busy creating short videos to guide and encourage my yearbook class. She most recently took our yearbook cover concept and turned it into a reality within days. I commend her efforts and couldn't be happier with the way things are going. Thank you So Cal Yearbook Gal!"
-Jake J.
"Cindy is an absolute pleasure to work with! She is incredibly supportive for all of my yearbook needs by going above and beyond to help out. Cindy has created several instructional videos with helpful yearbook tips and motivating ideas to engage students. She also makes herself readily available to answer questions, teach students yearbook lessons, and to stop by my school for support. It has been a wonderful experience working with Cindy and I look forward to continuing to work with her for many years to come. I highly recommend Cindy for all of your yearbook needs!"
-Valerie C.
"Cindy is fantastic! As a first-time yearbook advisor, I have a lot of questions and more than my fair share of anxiety when it comes to meeting deadlines, making our layouts look great, and guiding my young staff to the standard we set for ourselves. Cindy is encouraging, knowledgeable, and helps me feel confident teaching my class. She’s always a phone call or text message away and has definitely walked me away from a few ledges this year. Our yearbook looks fantastic and we are so grateful for Cindy’s professionalism, expertise, and guidance. Just the mention of “Ms. Vera” is enough to make my whole class smile!"
-David L.