![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)
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