A Silent Leader With a Loud Legacy

When it comes to working on a staff, particularly the Golden Leaf Yearbook, the quiet ones sometimes go unnoticed.

She's the one who no one, other than the people in the classroom, knows she’s there. She's the one who does things without being asked. She's the girl who surprises everyone as soon as she gets comfortable. 

Meet Annette Romero (‘26). 

She is a senior on the yearbook staff and has taken her first year by storm. Romero is 17 with three siblings: twin brothers, who are freshmen at Mt. Juliet High School, and a sister in third grade.

This girl does it all. She is involved in Yearbook (copy editor, content editor and newspaper editor), HOSA, NTHS (vice president) and Mu Alpha Theta.

Her accolades continue being an AP Scholar with Honor. When does this girl sleep? She is a cashier at Taziki’s Mediterranean Café and has over 40 hours of community service. 

“Annette has that rare ability to step up and lead when the moment calls for it and step back to support others when they shine. Her intelligence, her work ethic, and her positive spirit make her an invaluable member of our team. I don’t know what the 2026 yearbook staff would do without her," said Luke Judkins.

Romero is a character in the classroom, too.

Classmate Dylan Edge ('26) said, “Annette brings balance into the room that every class needs. She’s the person who can keep everyone in check with her whole ‘silent but deadly’ demeanor. She works really hard, too. She is always on top of all her work and is one everyone should strive to be like. Also, her one-liners are absolutely legendary.”

Romero has proved herself day and night putting in the work. From photography to designing spreads, the 2026 yearbook has a girl with spirit and drive. Her hard work shows every day, and everyone sees it.