![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)
Vigils are held tonight to honor West Linn car crash victims
UPDATE: Madison Higgins, junior, passed away at 11:45 p.m. Monday night. Her parents have chosen to donate her organs.
Hayden Soyk, Class of 2013, died in a devastating car crash late Sunday afternoon. The other passenger, Higgins, was taken to the hospital and remained in critical condition until her passing.
Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue reported that the car struck a power pole on SW Petes Mountain Road at 5:17 p.m. Both victims were trapped inside in the car until extricated by crew members. The first victim was taken to a nearby hospital, while Higgins, who took longer to help, was life-flighted via helicopter.
Students have taken to social media to express their sorrow and hope for their friend’s condition.
“Hayden you were a great guy. I’m never going to forget the great times we had together,” Ryan Shearmire, Class of 2014, said in a tweet. “I’ll never forget you, thanks for being my friend.”
“Please stay strong Maddi. You can do this,” Maddy Williams, sophomore, wrote.
A friend of the victim’s mother updated family and friends on her condition through Facebook: “She is unfortunately not responsive, and the doctors are not hopeful for any kind of significant recovery.”
On Sunday night a group prayer was held on the football field of West Linn High School, with over 200 students attending. Another gathering is planned for tonight at 6 p.m.
Island Sam’s, where Soyk worked, is also holding a vigil tonight at 8:00 p.m. to honor Hayden and his life. “Hayden was always smiling. He loved his family, his friends, his job…Join us tomorrow (Monday) to honor Hayden.”
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Ever since Emily Topping, senior, was young she hoped to make a difference on american culture. With her unique outlook on life, strong work ethic and...
