*WEB CONTINUATION: This article originally appeared in Volume 105 Issue 2 of our news magazine the Amplifier.

Heading into the new year, annual school events are finalizing their dates while students are faced with the task of remembering when they are taking place. From winter and spring sports to upcoming dances, this preview is aimed to provide a timeline for future school activities. For more information, visit the event calendar on the high school website.

Dances

Shortly after winter break on Jan. 11, the Associated Student Body (ASB) hosted the annual Winter Ball at the Portland Art Museum. Taking place at the same location as last year, it lasted from 7-10 p.m. and had a silver bells theme. 

On May 17, junior and senior prom will take place and the theme and location has yet to be announced. Last year, the dance took place at the Abernethy Center in Oregon City and had a “Tangled in our Memories” theme.

Amazing Race

The Amazing Race is an event in which several pairs of seniors compete in tasks and challenges to win $1000 for a charity of their choice. Last year, it started on Feb. 20 and ended on April 4, and the winners donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. There was an interest meeting held on Dec. 18 and applications were due Jan. 14. Teams were chosen on Jan. 17 and on Jan. 27, the race will officially begin. During the competition, updates will be given on the ASB Instagram page (@westlinn_asb) and during the Live Roar.

May Day

May Day is an annual school ceremony that features a student talent show, dance performances from the voted court, and the May Pole. The May Court is open to all seniors, however ASB choose the candidates by conducting interviews and reviewing interest forms. The general student body will then have the opportunity to vote on the king and queen of the court. Last year the event took place on May 3 during Life class at 1:30 p.m. where the bell schedule was adjusted accordingly and a second performance after school. The court will rehearse multiple times outside of the school day to learn the required dances.

Powderpuff

Powderpuff is an opportunity for female and nonbinary students to participate in a game of flag football. Last year, the event took place on April 24.

Sports

In December, Winter sports officially began, introducing the seasons for basketball, wrestling, swimming, snowboarding, and skiing. Other athletics including cheer, dance, and speech and debate will continue their seasons. Spring sports will start up following the end of the winter ones, including baseball, softball, track and field, golf, lacrosse, and tennis.

Basketball: The men’s and women’s varsity basketball seasons started on Dec. 6. The men won against South Eugene, while the women lost to Gonzaga Prep. In total, both teams will be competing at 24 games in the regular season. Their next game will be against Lakeridge at home on Jan. 21. Last year, both teams made it to the second round of playoffs. 

Wrestling: The season opener for wrestling was Dec. 6-7 against Southern Oregon. The team earned the title of district champions last year with five individual winners. The men’s and women’s varsity teams will face Oregon City on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m.

Swimming: The swim season started on Dec. 12, when the Lions won against St. Mary’s Academy. Their next meet will be on Jan. 23 at 5 p.m. against Lake Oswego at their home pool. Last year, both the men’s and women’s varsity teams earned third place at the state championship and second place at districts. 

Skiing/snowboarding: The ski team went to their first competition at Mt. Hood Meadows on Jan. 5 while the snowboarding team had their first on Jan. 18. The ski team has seven competitions in the regular season and the snowboarding team has eight. On Jan. 25 against Banked Slalom, the snowboarding team will have their next meet. The ski team will have theirs on Jan. 26 against Stadium GS.

*WEB CONTINUATION: This article originally appeared in Volume 105 Issue 2 of our news magazine the Amplifier.

Coming up on the new year, here are five movies to put on your radar when they come out in theatres.

The movie “Dog Man” was inspired by the book “Dog Man,” by Dav Pilkey. “Dog Man” was produced by Karen Foster and the director is Peter Hastings. The movie will be released on Jan. 31, 2025. Snow White live action movie started off from a fairy tale written by the Brothers Grimm, and was originally published in 1812. Afterwards, Disney adapted Snow White into a movie called “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” in 1937. The live action Snow White’s director is Marc Webb, the lead actress that plays Snow White is Rachel Zegler. The movie will be released on March 21, 2025. The “How to Train Your Dragon” live action movie is inspired by the “How to Train Your Dragon” books by Cressida Cowell. The Director of the Live action movie is Dean DeBlois and the release date is June 13, 2025. “Zootopia 2” comes out Nov. 26, 2025. Jared Bush and Byron Howard are the Directors and it’s also written by Bush. Lastly, “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” is releasing  on Dec. 19, 2025 and is directed by James Cameron. “Avatar: Fire and Ash” is an American science fiction film third in the Avatar Franchise.