It’s hard to believe it’s the end of the school year already. It seems like yesterday you were first starting the school year, and in the blink of an eye, the start of summer break is almost upon you.
For the seniors, this time is the most meaningful. For the first time in their high school careers, they won’t be returning in September. Instead, they will begin the next stage of their lives, moving on to college or the start of their career.
One of the most important moments at the end of the school year is the iconic yearbook signing. Students will pen their signatures on the insides of each other’s yearbooks, often accompanying them with some sort of message.
It can often be difficult to come up with something to write in your friend or student’s yearbook. Luckily, Classmates® has you covered with everything there is to know about the different things to write, and the best way to write them. Continue on to find out more!
Key Takeaways
| – A great yearbook message starts with a strong opener and leans into a specific shared memory or inside joke tailored to the relationship, whether that’s a close friend, schoolmate, or teacher. – Keeping your message exciting and personal is what separates a memorable yearbook note from a forgettable one. – Yearbook messages can range from funny and lighthearted to motivational and heartfelt. The best ones reflect the personality of both the writer and the recipient. |
Why Do People Sign Yearbooks?
At the conclusion of each academic year, high school students will typically sign each other’s yearbooks, accompanying their signatures with a personal message for their schoolmates to look back on for years to come. Teachers also partake in this lovely tradition, leaving their students with a lasting memory.
Why Write in Your Friend or Student’s Yearbook?
High school is something you will always remember. You might change over time, but those memories will always be there. That’s why it’s important to commemorate these good times so you have something to look back on as you grow older.
You will look back at all of the messages written by your schoolmates and reminisce on the experiences that defined your youth. This is a privilege and a gift, and giving this back to your fellow schoolmates allows you to form a special connection.
For teachers, this is your opportunity to let your student know how much they meant to you, and to gift your student something to remember their favorite teacher by.
Tips and Tricks for Yearbook Writing
Looking for inspiration or direction when signing your friend or student’s yearbook? Follow these guidelines and suggestions for writing in a yearbook:
Start with a strong opener
The first line sets the tone for your whole message, so make it count. A casual “Hey you!” or a warm summer wish works perfectly for friends and schoolmates.
Lean into an inside joke
Nothing makes someone smile faster than a reference only the two of you would get. If you shared a funny moment or running gag throughout the year, this is the perfect place to bring it back.
Match a memory to your relationship
For close friends, go with something funny or sentimental. For schoolmates, a shared achievement or memorable project works well. Teachers can reflect on a way that their student made a difference in their classroom.
Keep it concise
A short, thoughtful message lands harder than a long one. Leave room for others to sign and give the reader something they can take in at a glance and still smile about years later.
Use a quote when words fail you
A well-chosen piece of advice or an inspirational quote can carry a lot of weight when you’re struggling to find your own words.
Always sign your name
You put the effort in, so make sure they know it came from you. A message without a name is just words on a page.
Different Kinds of Things to Write in a Yearbook
Now that you know some tips and tricks to yearbook writing, check out these specific examples of what to write in a yearbook:
Funny Things to Write in a Yearbook
One of the best ways to go about writing in a yearbook is a funny, lighthearted approach. Make sure you stand out in the other person’s mind with an inside joke or a clever one-liner. Check out these hilarious examples:
- “I’ll never forget our secret handshake. Too bad we’re the only ones who know it!”
- “Our lunch table will never be the same without your hilarious stories.”
- “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know if you’re gonna graduate.”
- “They asked me to write something. So here it is: Something.”
- “Here’s to not knowing what I’m doing with the rest of my life!”
Nice Things to Write in a Yearbook
Sometimes the best course of action is a nice, casual message to get your point across and leave your schoolmate or student with something simple. Here are some nice messages to leave in a yearbook:
- “HAGS! (Have a Great Summer)”
- “Wishing you a relaxing summer vacation!”
- “Never change!”
- “Wishing you a bright future ahead!”
Fun Things to Write in a Yearbook
Keeping things fun and exciting is always a good way to go. Here are some fun, lively things to write in your friend, schoolmate, or student’s yearbook:
- “Remember me when you’re rich.”
- “I’ll remember you when I’m famous.”
- “The journey may be tough, but that’s what makes it fun.”
Motivational Things to Write in a Yearbook
A motivational yearbook message can be very useful for students moving on to a tough and confusing chapter of their lives. Write something thoughtful and motivating in a yearbook to help someone else through this transition:
- “Follow your dreams, because you are capable of anything you put your mind to.”
- “As long as you have dreams you believe in, your future is promising.”
- “Nothing in life is impossible as long as you take that first step.”
- “Don’t dwell on yesterday, for it’s what brought you to today.”
Make Your Yearbook Message or Quote Last Forever
When you’re ready, think about submitting your yearbook to Classmates® to have it preserved in the digital yearbook archive, where all your senior photos and memories can be accessed online from any device, anytime.
Create a free Classmates account to start searching for your old yearbook, and upgrade to CM+ to unlock full yearbook access and rediscover the memories of your high school years.
Things to Write in a Yearbook FAQs
What are some good things to write in a yearbook?
The best yearbook messages feel personal and heartwarming, whether that means referencing a shared memory, dropping an inside joke, or leaving a motivational send-off. Even a few well-chosen sentences that speak directly to the recipient will be remembered far longer than something vague and formulaic.
How long should a yearbook message be?
Yearbook messages don’t need to be long to be meaningful; a few sincere sentences will almost always land harder than a lengthy note that says very little.
Keeping it concise also leaves room for others to sign, which is good yearbook etiquette.
What should teachers write in a student’s yearbook?
Teachers can reflect on a specific moment a student stood out, acknowledge their growth throughout the year, or offer a piece of advice that carries them forward. A brief, genuine note that shows the teacher was truly paying attention is something a student is likely to hold onto long after graduation.
What are some funny things to write in a yearbook?
A well-timed inside joke or clever one-liner is one of the most effective ways to leave a lasting impression in someone’s yearbook. If you shared a funny moment or running gag throughout the year, leaning into that will almost always brighten up a schoolmate’s year.
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