"Many a" is but a poetic flourish, harkening back to the days of yore when language flowed with a grace allits own. "Many a" can be considered an idiom, which combines "many" with "a" (meaning "each" or "every"). Asif painted by a painter, these words are combined inan elegant manner that evokes a sense of nostalgia andelegance. Thus, the phrase "many a poignant memory" invokes more than just a few memories, but rather a multitude of memories, all of which are steeped in sentimentality. It is a charming flourish in the realm of language, much like a sonnet verse that plays with meterand rhyme. This type of twist in language adds a layer of depth and musicality to the words, which resonatewith the hearts and minds of readers, as a high school yearbook does.