![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)
Glancing into Hannah Russell’s dancing
Hannah Russell, freshman, is not only is a straight A student, but she is also an avid dancer with Oregon Ballet Theater’s school. Russell’s mom, Shelley Russell, who is a former modern dancer with a church company, enrolled her in ballet class when she was four. Russell has been dancing for ten years and has developed a passion for it.
“I see myself dancing professionally someday, possible with School of American Ballet or New York Ballet,” Russell said.
In addition to ballet, Russell also enjoys reading, art and photography. “I love the arts in general. I want to do something involving the arts, whether it’s dancing professionally, taking photos or drawing,” Russell said.
Russell is channeling her love for art by taking Art 1 and Photo 1. Two of her photographs have received awards, including her photo Caged, which is on display on the D porch at West Linn. She also enjoys drawing, she thinks it’s a great way to take a break and relax from school and ballet.
She has participated in several of OBT’s productions such as Carnival of Animals, Coppelia, The Nutcracker and her favorite, Rose City Waltz, where she was a tutu girl. She has also danced in a pointe variation, Etudes.
Russell will be in OBT’s production of The Nutcracker this year. After trying out for various parts she was cast as a Candy Cane and a Maid.
Her biggest inspiration is Alina Cojocaru, principal ballerina with English National ballet. “She is an amazing dancer and she is gorgeous,” Russell said.
If you would like to see Hannah Russell in OBT’s production of The Nutcracker the showings are Dec. 14- Dec.20 at downtown The Keller Auditorium.
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If you asked Nicole Joerger, senior, what her greatest passion in life was a few months ago, the answer might have been simpler. For Joerger, dance was...
