The Cost of a Yearbook

By Benjamin Kroop

Mr. Dibenedetto’s room, a hidden gem in the art wing, contains some whimsical artifacts, including tons of old yearbooks. The designs of the yearbooks have had some staggering changes, as has the price of the yearbooks.

Some students are outraged to learn that this year’s yearbook will cost $110, including Joseph Rosario(11) saying “I thought the price was going to be $55.”

But some students might feel differently after they understand what goes into the creation of the yearbook. Mr. Resendiz and Mr. DiBenedetto are leaders in the yearbook production process. Mr. DiBenedetto handles the production behind the yearbook,  with the students in the Advanced Publishing Course. The students work together to create the yearbook. Mr. Resendiz handles the financial aspect of the yearbook.

According to Mr. Resendiz, when he first started, the books cost the students $95 and cost $100 to produce. Irvington was losing money. An excess was left over, as not enough people purchased yearbooks. Furthermore, issues such as exceeding the page limit further complicated the process. 

Ultimately, this cost the school $5000. Mr. Resendiz decided to step in and raise the selling price to $105, solving the deficit issue for the time. COVID also influenced the cost of the yearbooks, and in 2023, the price was raised to $110.

Mr. DiBenedetto is very passionate about the yearbook. He knows the books are expensive, but the amount of work and effort makes it extraordinary. Each year, the yearbooks continue to improve in quality. Recently added sponsors allow the price to stay at $110.

The yearbook is still very expensive. Ardsley High School has a yearbook that costs $82. However, Mr. Dibenedetto said, “The price is proportional to the quality.”