![MORE THAN A GAME. With two diving catches in the outfield, the Lions showed up defensively, aiding in their victory over the Pacers. One catch was made by Atwood, and the other by McGraw. Throughout the game, the Lions knew that it wasn’t just about their victory today. “I think [playing for cancer] makes it bigger than just a game,” McGraw said. “Knowing that you have a bigger impact in this world than just who you are as one person.”](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/I70A1454-1-1200x800.jpg)
![Students in the National Art Honor Society work on the Mount Hood mural on the window of SouthLake Church. The students brought a variety of paints and mixed their own custom colors. “Instead of brushstrokes, we’re doing more dabbing, because it gives [a] better impression of tree foliage, rather than looking like actual brush strokes, because if we’re painting trees, we need it to look like trees,” Crawford said.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_2397-1200x900.jpg)
As Thanksgiving quickly approaches we should all take the time to think of what we should be thankful for. Here is a top five list to help start your thinking.
#5:
Arts Programs at West Linn
As the recession continues, many schools have been forced to make countless cuts in their programs. Public schools in Burns, Ore., among many other cities, have been forced to cut all of their arts. At West Linn High School, we still have many of the same arts programs that we’ve always had; Art, Photography, Journalism, Drama, Music, Fiber Arts, Sculpture and Clay and many other classes. We should all be thankful for this! And remember, the Arts have been shown to have a beneficial impact on one’s IQ.
#4:
The Community That We Live In
In a hectic world, it is good to know that we live in a safe city. The average crime index in West Linn is less than a quarter of the national average, providing us all with a very safe environment. A study conducted by the Furman Center at New York University showed that lower crime rates lead to less disadvantaged groups in an area. This gives us a sense of security and time to focus on building our futures.
#3:
The Beauty All Around Us
Have you ever spent time appreciating nature? From the rolling countryside to the quaint Old Willamette neighborhood, West Linn is a beautiful place to live. For the past 17 years West Linn has been a Tree City USA community. It is home to numerous parks that add to its livability and enrich our lives.
#2:
Our Educational System
Every citizen of West Linn is blessed with an excellent educational system. Ranked as one of “America’s Best High Schools” by the U.S. News & World Report, West Linn High School boasts a wide array of achievements. With at least 90 percent of its students graduating each year, WLHS has proven to be a top notch school. The youth of West Linn are honored with a remarkable opportunity to an education that they should all be thankful for.
#1:
The First Amendment
The First Amendment allows every citizen in the United States freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of press, and the right to peaceably assemble. There are many countries in the world that are not blessed with these unconditional rights, like China and Syria. We should all be thankful that we have these freedoms that allow us to express our opinions and our thoughts freely and without fear.
