Ronna Sparks-Woodward has been the yearbook adviser since Liberty North High School’s opening in 2010. She has been described as wild, being fun-loving, but focused when work has to be done.

   “Sparks is such a hardworking person, she comes in every single day and gives us 100% of her effort. She never fails to put a smile on our faces, and she’s kind to all who meet her. Throughout all months of the year, Sparks is working hard. Even during the summer, she’s always looking for inspiration and ways to help us develop our theme for the year,” senior Abigail Agnew said.

   With Sparks’ advisement and mentorship, the program has pulled in a multitude of accomplishments since Liberty North’s opening 14 years ago.

   “Since coming to North when we opened, she has accomplished the biggest milestones you can, including All-American ratings which put the Ayrie in the yearbook Hall of Fame, NSPA [National Scholastic Press Association] Silver and Gold crowns, and a one time pacemaker finalist. None of these things would be possible without her. She is the reason her staffs throughout the years have had so much success,” Agnew said.

   In order to be inducted into the NSPA’s Hall of Fame, a yearbook must receive 10 All-American ratings within 11 years. Sparks shared that though it isn’t very difficult to receive one All-American rating, it is very hard to maintain that high level continuously. She coined this as one of her largest professional accomplishments. Though the yearbook is a team effort, Sparks has directed the staff throughout the entire process, allowing the students to learn more than just journalism.

   “She taught me everything I know about yearbook and journalism in general, as well as making me a better person throughout the process,” Agnew said. 

   Throughout her years advising yearbooks, six years at Joplin High School and six years at Liberty High School, Sparks has been at North the longest at 14 years and growing. Slowly, but surely, she has brought the program to where it is today.

   “Sparks is the yearbook. She got us to the point we’re at now and without her, not only would not be where we are now, but the program as a whole wouldn’t be anywhere close to where it is without her. She started the program at North, and both us and all the staff before us were really lucky to be able to have her as our adviser,” senior Kelsey O’Riley said.