What to Write in a Yearbook

A little thought goes a long way when signing a yearbook

While the phrase, “Have a great summer” is certainly a nice sentiment to share with a classmate toward the end of your school year it’s not exactly a literary masterpiece when it comes to a yearbook entry, is it?

Why are yearbook messages important?

The pages of a yearbook will bring back memories and may even be seen by your children 10 years from now. In fact, the words inscribed in it will be kept there forever. A keepsake like this deserves a yearbook message that can be treasured for years and years to come, long after graduation.

Whether you’re signing a yearbook for your best friend, a classmate you worked with on a group project or your favorite teacher, you’ll want your message to be personalized and sincere.

Yearbook message for best/closest friends

For your besties, you’re probably going to wonder, “Where do I even begin?” Just remember that this kind of friend knows how awesome you are, and no mediocre yearbook signing is going to change their positive perception of you.

Also, keep in mind that saying, “Can I think about it and get back to you?” isn’t rude. On the contrary, instead you’re wanting to do something really nice and sometimes the muse just isn’t calling. If they’re really your best friend, or one of them, they’ll surely understand. However, if you don’t get back to them, then you really are being rude.

Yearbook messages for casual friends

No pressure here as you don’t need to document every experience you’ve had with the person. The key is to share just the right amount to make the reader smile and reminiscence.

Use a fun opening line. This is your last hoorah of the school year! Start your yearbook message off right with a fun opening line. Remind them of a time the two of you thought you were going to get in trouble but didn’t. Maybe write about a memorable time you two had together with a friend of theirs. Try to pick just one moment that has really stuck with you. You’ll want to keep your message close to about 3-4 lines. Be sure to choose a sentiment that will make the recipient smile.

Yearbook messages for people you don’t really know that well

When someone puts you in this position, you may draw a complete blank and be wondering why they even asked you.

Chances are this person is probably experiencing a bit of social anxiety and he or she, more than anyone, could use a nice sign-off. They may have wanted to be your friend but never got up the nerve to ask you if you’d like to hangout sometime. You should be flattered.

It’s fine to give a generic compliment to this person, as long as you genuinely feel there’s truth to in it! It doesn’t have to be long.

Examples:

“It was super fun having English with you this year. Hope you have a fantastic summer :)”

“Remember me when you’re rich.”

“Stay the same and never change. Too bad we didn’t hang out more.”

“Enjoy your summer. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Glad we were in _____ class together.”

Yearbook quotes

Using quotes from famous people (or anonymous quotes) is a quick and easy way to say something somewhat prophetic without having to rack your brain for something original. They’re not intended to be a replacement for writing something of your own. They’re meant to be more of a nice sign off. Don’t get stuck writing the same thing in everyone’s yearbooks. Use one of these inspirational yearbook quotes to add some variation to your notes:

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” -Confucius

“If the opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” -Milton Berle

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

“Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today.” -James Dean

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” -Les Brown

“Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted.” -John Lennon

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” -Theodore Roosevelt

“Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good.” -Minor Myers Jr.

“If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” -Ronald Dahl

“Live for the moments you can’t put into words.” -Anonymous

“Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.” -Mark Twain

“What if I fall? Oh, my darling, what if you fly?” -Anonymous

“If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.” -Seth Godin

“If at first you don’t succeed, so much for skydiving.” -Anonymous

In closing

In addition to funky hair styles and unclear clothing decisions, the signature you leave below your note will follow you around each time that yearbook gets cracked open. As you sign yearbooks this year, think about how you’ll want your peers to remember the time they spent with you during school. Use the above guidelines to help you craft a note you can be proud of that shows off your personality and highlights the time you spent with those you grew up with.

To take part in all the yearbook signing excitement, order your yearbook today.

SHOP YEARBOOK