![At the bottom of the third inning, the Lions are still scoreless. Rowe stands at home plate, preparing to bat, while Vandenbrink stands off to the side as the next batter up. Despite having the bases loaded, the team was unable to score any runs. “It’s just the beginning of the season. We’re just going to be playing out best by June, [and] that’s where champions are,” Rowe said.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3077-1200x900.jpg)
![All smiles. The group poses for a photo with last year’s book, “This is Our House,” along with their award for third Best in Show. Meikle, who was an Editor-in-Chief for the yearbook last year as well, holds both and stands at the center of the group. “That was an amazing feeling, going and grabbing the third place award,” Meikle said. “All of it paid off. I cried so much over that book, being able to receive [the award] was one of the highlights of my high school career, it was like the coolest thing ever.”](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/8bookpose_philly-1200x800.jpg)
Five West Linn High School seniors Michaela Laughlin, Hunter Bosson, Sarah Chung, Logan Spear, and Priyanka Basak, recognized this year for their elite academic excellence, have become National Merit semi-finalists. After taking the PSAT/NMSQT 15,000 students are chosen each year, and are labeled as the academic elite and gain national recognition which qualifies them for exclusive opportunity to be nominated for many academic scholarships and monetary rewards.
The Amplifier interviewed Mary Earp, Class of 2013, who was honorably commended, to discuss the doors that can be opened for these five students.
“I didn’t realize what a big opportunity it was to be nominated,” Earp said. “For a long time, I can put this experience down on job and college applications. I am really excited for the five finalists this year.”
For more information go to: http://www.nationalmerit.org/nmsp.php