The independent student media site of West Linn High School

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A live Asian water dragon relaxing on a rock in the monsters of the deep exhibit.
Into the abyss
The library event whiteboard has regular updates and displays colleges available for students to meet with.
Colleges visit West Linn
Kevin Egan, a music teacher at West Linn, has 41 years of teaching experience.
How to teach potential
The College Board’s continued price increases put pressure on students' families' wallets.
AP exam fees increase: the cost of an education
10 students from the West Linn-Wilsonville School District (WLWV) were named semi-finalists for the National Merit Scholarship.
Beyond the score
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.
Painting for purpose
The library event whiteboard has regular updates and displays colleges available for students to meet with.
Colleges visit West Linn
The College Board’s continued price increases put pressure on students' families' wallets.
AP exam fees increase: the cost of an education
10 students from the West Linn-Wilsonville School District (WLWV) were named semi-finalists for the National Merit Scholarship.
Beyond the score
The College Board owns and administers the SAT and PSAT, two tests that students may be planning to take for college admissions and other purposes.
Top tips for the SAT and PSAT as test dates loom
Students, due to budget cuts, have been forced to learn in more tightly packed classrooms.
Tighter budgets, tighter classrooms
AP: Advanced Pressure
AP: Advanced Pressure
In the past year, the popularity of college admissions social media influencers has risen, increasing the pressure on many high school seniors applying to college.
The cut-throat reality of college applications
Class of 2024 seniors sit in the center of the Veteran's Memorial Colosseum as they announce the next person to speak in front of the class.
‘It’s our toast to them.’
College applications can be filled with questions, details, and goals.
College application season underway
As Taylor Bell transitions into cosmetology, she gains experience through her job at Mane and Co. hair salon.
Seniors begin their journey to individual career paths
Counselors help students adjust their schedules and plan for their futures.
Four tips for four years in high school
ISEF projects sit under lights. In the 2023-2024 school year, ISEF will be offered as a year-long science credit.
Planning accordingly
Brody Olson, senior, sits down in the podcasting corner in preparation for the recording.
Leading the pride
The Unity Day assembly will take place during Life class on the football field, where students will fill the stands.
What to know about Unity Day 2025
The first to get his head shaved, Joe Kloucek, student engagement specialist, was one of seven teachers who volunteered for a chance to go bald.
‘Brave the shave’
Before the Winter Ball started, volunteers helped set up the decorations and additional supplies.
In and outside of school: What to look forward to in 2025
Time to celebrate. The Associated Student Body (ASB) stood with the completed collection of canned foods from the campus food drive before donating to the West Linn Food Pantry. This school year, a new record of 6,817 cans were donated.
2024 Canned Food Drive: Celebrating a new record of 6,817 cans collected
Behind-the-scenes of the newest episode of the West Linn Weekly Wakeup with guest Mia Harmon, senior.
A presidential welcome
Student protestors gathered outside the front of the school.
Loud and proud
James Jones talks to two customers in his store Brickdiculous.
Lloyd-ering around
A voicemail was discovered threatening West Linn High School in the morning of Nov. 5.
Safety concern hits West Linn High School
Henry Hall-Brown, senior, was a member of the anti-ICE protest that took place on Oct. 21, participating in chants and marching down towards the West Linn Central Village shopping center with the group.
Editorial: ICE has no place at schools
Protester outside the Portland ICE facility with a sign saying “Why do I need protective gear just to hold this sign?” In the background, graffiti reads “Molotovs melt ICE” Molotovs are an improvised incendiary fire weapon used typically by revolutionaries and during riots.
Conflict at the ICE building
‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ briefly taken off air in a controversial decision.
Cancelled?
Student protestors gathered outside the front of the school.
Loud and proud
The issue with gun violence coverage
The issue with gun violence coverage
Brooklyn Carr Heuer, senior, speaks to the attendees of the Sept. 5 walkout for school shooting awareness.
Editorial: the right to bear arms, not to open fire
Elise Row, senior, stands up in front of the crowd of students to talk about why they're doing what they're doing.
Students perform walkout against gun violence
Students created signs before the protest to display their message.
Students speak volumes on gun control
Preparation not reparation
Preparation not reparation
Henry Hall-Brown, senior, was a member of the anti-ICE protest that took place on Oct. 21, participating in chants and marching down towards the West Linn Central Village shopping center with the group.
Editorial: ICE has no place at schools
Protester outside the Portland ICE facility with a sign saying “Why do I need protective gear just to hold this sign?” In the background, graffiti reads “Molotovs melt ICE” Molotovs are an improvised incendiary fire weapon used typically by revolutionaries and during riots.
Conflict at the ICE building
‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ briefly taken off air in a controversial decision.
Cancelled?
Rory Bialostosky, mayor of West Linn, speaks to Multimedia Editor Garrett Arendt about his time as mayor.
A sit down with the mayor of West Linn
The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is facing cuts which target the cancer institute and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Health department funding slashed
Brooklyn Carr Heuer, senior, speaks to the attendees of the Sept. 5 walkout for school shooting awareness.
Editorial: the right to bear arms, not to open fire
Kyla Buse, junior, prepares ahead of the upcoming basketball season.
Just the beginning
Cheerleaders perform their halftime routine in the Oct. 24 football game against Tualatin.
Stunt with spirit
Unified soccer players Joanna Landazuri, junior, and Sophie Maher, senior, embrace one another with a high five after scoring a goal.
Unified soccer team plays Wilsonville High School for second home game of the year
The Savannah Bananas add a fun twist to baseball through things like dancing and singing.
The Savannah Bananas: Redefining baseball, or ruining it?
Caden Klouda and Cade McVicker, both seniors, have both committed to play sports at Seattle University.
Reunited as Redhawks
Kennedy Toomer and Amelia Haj, both seniors, pose for a picture for media day.
Get to know the 2025 volleyball team
Unified soccer players Joanna Landazuri, junior, and Sophie Maher, senior, embrace one another with a high five after scoring a goal.
Unified soccer team plays Wilsonville High School for second home game of the year
Caden Klouda and Cade McVicker, both seniors, have both committed to play sports at Seattle University.
Reunited as Redhawks
Kennedy Toomer and Amelia Haj, both seniors, pose for a picture for media day.
Get to know the 2025 volleyball team
Teammates Payton Richard and Lorelai Dean, both sophomores, support each other's hard work after scoring a crucial point in the first set against Tualatin High School. With the nerves of the early stages of the game, both players focus on staying positive.
Volleyball beats Tualatin 3—0 on Sept. 30
At the start of the mens varity 5k run, the boys team lines up in preparation to run.
Cross country kicks it to the TRL/PAC crossover
Tristan Peia and Zander Morris, both seniors, are captains for the mens soccer team.
Get to know the 2025 mens soccer team
Kyla Buse, junior, prepares ahead of the upcoming basketball season.
Just the beginning
Max Bell, sophomore, Ryder Sprague, junior, and Nate Gusdorf, senior, wrestle in matches during their 2024-2025 season.
Reign in the ring: West Linn wrestling claims success at state
The dance team performs their routine at their friends and family night on March 18, days before the state competition
Chess to impress: dance team finishes fifth in state
Jordan Edgel, senior, skis down the hill at the state championships that took place from March 6-7
Womens ski team qualifies for state
The mens team took to the court first with a final score of 54—64 for the Pioneers. The women’s team followed and won their game 68—43. 
Season snapshot: Recapping the mens and womens basketball doubleheader
The 2025 snowboarding team has a roster of around 40 members.
Get to know the 2025 snowboard team
Caden Klouda and Cade McVicker, both seniors, have both committed to play sports at Seattle University.
Reunited as Redhawks
There are a variety of golf courses that the mens golf team plays on.
Top-hole golfers Q&A
Libby McNulty, senior, participates in a huddle as the team listens to their coach prepare for an upcoming game.
Senior surplus
Finley Parker, freshman, zooms past during track practice.
Don’t compare, compete
Sloan Baker, sophomore, steps up to bat during the home opener against Sam Barlow High School.
Fighting for four: Baseball team aims for their fourth state title in a row
This season, the womens varsity tennis team will be led by Megan Mandel, science teacher, and the junior varsity team will be coached by Dr. Ryan Jordan, psychology teacher.
Swinging with new coaches
Kennedy Toomer and Amelia Haj, both seniors, pose for a picture for media day.
Get to know the 2025 volleyball team
Tristan Peia and Zander Morris, both seniors, are captains for the mens soccer team.
Get to know the 2025 mens soccer team
The 2025 snowboarding team has a roster of around 40 members.
Get to know the 2025 snowboard team
Coach Brooke Cates leads the team again this year.
Get to know the 2025 womens basketball team
Get to know the 2025 dance team
Get to know the 2025 dance team
Getting to know the 2024 mens cross country team
Getting to know the 2024 mens cross country team
"Cinder" is the first book in a six-book series.
A futuristic approach
The "Fiddler on the Roof" cast practices choreography.
Casting the curtain
Kevin Egan, a music teacher at West Linn, has 41 years of teaching experience.
How to teach potential
On Sept. 22, Mac DeMarco performed a concert in Portland.
Mac DeMarco performs in Portland
Sombr's new album "I barely knew her" released on Aug. 22, 2025.
Is Sombr’s ‘I barely knew her’ the album of the summer?
Nora Bowyer, junior, flaunts a My Chemical Romance shirt.
Welcome back to ’The Black Parade’
The movie "Him" was released into theaters on Sept. 19.
A bloody win
‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ briefly taken off air in a controversial decision.
Cancelled?
In the movie, there's a blue tiger called Derpy, who delivers letters between Jinu and Rumi. Graphic by Macquarie Workman.
‘KPop Demon Hunters’: the film phenomenon of ‘25
New on Netflix: 'The Electric State'
New on Netflix: ‘The Electric State’
The movie's characters included a capybara, lemur, Golden Retriever, and a cat, all voiced with real animal sounds.
Go with the ‘Flow’
Before the Winter Ball started, volunteers helped set up the decorations and additional supplies.
In and outside of school: What to look forward to in 2025
Kevin Egan, a music teacher at West Linn, has 41 years of teaching experience.
How to teach potential
On Sept. 22, Mac DeMarco performed a concert in Portland.
Mac DeMarco performs in Portland
Sombr's new album "I barely knew her" released on Aug. 22, 2025.
Is Sombr’s ‘I barely knew her’ the album of the summer?
Nora Bowyer, junior, flaunts a My Chemical Romance shirt.
Welcome back to ’The Black Parade’
With 13 tracks, duo group Clipse is back with a new album after 15 years.
‘This is culturally inappropriate’: new Clipse album explores diverse themes
Alternatively to prom, some students chose to go to a Kendrick Lamar concert that was taking place on the same day in Seattle, Washington.
Tryna Skip the Prom? You Could Go To Seattleee
The "Fiddler on the Roof" cast practices choreography.
Casting the curtain
An inside look of the auditorium during rehearsals for the upcoming fall play, Fiddler on the Roof.
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ follows a family’s journey through change
Outside of theater classes, the musical takes place in the fall. Shown above is a rehearsal for this year's musical, 'Fiddler On The Roof'.
Acting okay
Taran Keppeler, senior, has an external monologue to voice his emotions about his situation.
Serving the crowd: Theatre program presents “The Servant of Two Masters”
‘All Rise’ had its first live readings March 1, 2, and 3 at the International Firehouse Cultural Center in Portland, Oregon. Photo courtesy of ‘All Rise’ play. McCreary had an article written and published by Karina Rower in the fall of 2022.
‘All Rise’ puts the spotlight back on Black Lives Matter
"Exit the King" has already had two performances, but those interested can watch the play on March 7-9 at 7 p.m. in the Black Box Studio Theater.
What is ‘Exit the King?’
"Cinder" is the first book in a six-book series.
A futuristic approach
Sombr's new album "I barely knew her" released on Aug. 22, 2025.
Is Sombr’s ‘I barely knew her’ the album of the summer?
The movie "Him" was released into theaters on Sept. 19.
A bloody win
With 13 tracks, duo group Clipse is back with a new album after 15 years.
‘This is culturally inappropriate’: new Clipse album explores diverse themes
'Thunderbolts*' is a recent Marvel superhero movie that was released on May 2.
A thunderous debut
The 69th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is held in Switzerland and will take place from May 13 to May 17.
Top five Eurovision songs from 2025
"Cinder" is the first book in a six-book series.
A futuristic approach
Garrett Arendt, senior, accepts his flowers while walking to the field.
Am I really royalty?
The College Board’s continued price increases put pressure on students' families' wallets.
AP exam fees increase: the cost of an education
Sombr's new album "I barely knew her" released on Aug. 22, 2025.
Is Sombr’s ‘I barely knew her’ the album of the summer?
Henry Hall-Brown, senior, was a member of the anti-ICE protest that took place on Oct. 21, participating in chants and marching down towards the West Linn Central Village shopping center with the group.
Editorial: ICE has no place at schools
Nora Bowyer, junior, flaunts a My Chemical Romance shirt.
Welcome back to ’The Black Parade’
Henry Hall-Brown, senior, was a member of the anti-ICE protest that took place on Oct. 21, participating in chants and marching down towards the West Linn Central Village shopping center with the group.
Editorial: ICE has no place at schools
Brooklyn Carr Heuer, senior, speaks to the attendees of the Sept. 5 walkout for school shooting awareness.
Editorial: the right to bear arms, not to open fire
During the 2024/2025 school year, students at West Linn High School were required to put their phones into the phone pockets at the start of the period, where they can retrieve them once the period ends.
Editorial: Oregon’s statewide phone ban poses troubles for students
Former May Day Queen, Emma McCurry, science teacher, capes this year's Queen, Ayla Gray.
Editorial: How outdated May Day traditions need to be changed
Brody Olson, junior, if elected president, would sit behind this desk hosting the LiveROAR on a weekly basis.
Editorial: Brody Olson for ASB president
Due to budget cuts, teachers in the district like Selena Huggins will be packing their things for the final time at the end of the school year.
Editorial: District’s broken budget affects teachers and students
Henry Hall-Brown, senior, was a member of the anti-ICE protest that took place on Oct. 21, participating in chants and marching down towards the West Linn Central Village shopping center with the group.
Editorial: ICE has no place at schools
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.
Painting for purpose
Jon Eagle, football head coach, puts on his headset in preparation for the game.
Coach Eagle’s farewell tour
Rory Bialostosky, mayor of West Linn, speaks to Multimedia Editor Garrett Arendt about his time as mayor.
A sit down with the mayor of West Linn
Main Street said farewell to summer on Aug. 30 through the second annual Chalk Walk Art Festival. Ruth Offer, Chalk Walk organizer, brought this tradition from Wyoming in an attempt to make use of the renovated sidewalks of Willamette Falls Dr. “[This is] a community event for the kids,” Offer said.
Old Town comes alive
Teammates Payton Richard and Lorelai Dean, both sophomores, support each other's hard work after scoring a crucial point in the first set against Tualatin High School. With the nerves of the early stages of the game, both players focus on staying positive.
Volleyball beats Tualatin 3—0 on Sept. 30
Henry Hall-Brown, senior, was a member of the anti-ICE protest that took place on Oct. 21, participating in chants and marching down towards the West Linn Central Village shopping center with the group.
Editorial: ICE has no place at schools
Main Street said farewell to summer on Aug. 30 through the second annual Chalk Walk Art Festival. Ruth Offer, Chalk Walk organizer, brought this tradition from Wyoming in an attempt to make use of the renovated sidewalks of Willamette Falls Dr. “[This is] a community event for the kids,” Offer said.
Old Town comes alive
Teammates Payton Richard and Lorelai Dean, both sophomores, support each other's hard work after scoring a crucial point in the first set against Tualatin High School. With the nerves of the early stages of the game, both players focus on staying positive.
Volleyball beats Tualatin 3—0 on Sept. 30
On the move. After exiting the Aux Gym, students walk with their Lion Ambassadors to begin a tour of the school. The groups went to separate locations within the school, then moved from one location to the next.
Welcoming new members of the pride
Cassidy Harding, Alexa Cornell, and Peter Daniels, all seniors, are all committed to continue their sports career at Eastern Oregon University. Graphic by Saige Heiden and Ethan Caba.
Just the beginning
Inspiring the future. Michelle Bartolomei and Lilith Martin Cooper, grandma and granddaughter, come together to not only support one another but to show support to younger generations. “It matters because it's our future,” Bartolomei said.
Voices through the ages: A multigenerational stand against Elon Musk
Rory Bialostosky, mayor of West Linn, speaks to Multimedia Editor Garrett Arendt about his time as mayor.
A sit down with the mayor of West Linn
The issue with gun violence coverage
The issue with gun violence coverage
The executive order has sparked multiple different opinions. Graphic by Garrett Arendt.
Phone debate
Brody Olson, senior, sits down in the podcasting corner in preparation for the recording.
Leading the pride
ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot that can summarize a Google search, provide edits to writing, solve math problems, and more. While it is available for free online, there is a tier list of pricing for more advanced versions of the service.
Can I use ChatGPT and still be ‘present for learning?’
No power, no problem. When a power outage occurs that leaves students in the dark, previously prepared outage kits with supplies can help students and their families to remain safe and informed.
Know what steps to take: How students can prepare for power outages in the metro area
Rory Bialostosky, mayor of West Linn, speaks to Multimedia Editor Garrett Arendt about his time as mayor.
A sit down with the mayor of West Linn
The executive order has sparked multiple different opinions. Graphic by Garrett Arendt.
Phone debate
Brody Olson, senior, sits down in the podcasting corner in preparation for the recording.
Leading the pride
ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot that can summarize a Google search, provide edits to writing, solve math problems, and more. While it is available for free online, there is a tier list of pricing for more advanced versions of the service.
Can I use ChatGPT and still be ‘present for learning?’
No power, no problem. When a power outage occurs that leaves students in the dark, previously prepared outage kits with supplies can help students and their families to remain safe and informed.
Know what steps to take: How students can prepare for power outages in the metro area
Books such as Alice Oseman's "Heartstopper" series and "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee have been banned in places across the country.
Flying off the shelves: Banned books
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.
Painting for purpose
Jon Eagle, football head coach, puts on his headset in preparation for the game.
Coach Eagle’s farewell tour
The mens soccer team heads back to their starting position after scoring against Sherwood.
Mens soccer season preview
In D101, each desk includes special computes that allow students to animate.
Meet the Animation club
Dr. Ryan Jordan, AP Psychology teacher, performs the lobotomy in front of the class.
Learning lobotomies
Sophie Maher, junior, practices with the cheer team in the dance room.
Cheer all together
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Henry Hall-Brown, senior, was a member of the anti-ICE protest that took place on Oct. 21, participating in chants and marching down towards the West Linn Central Village shopping center with the group.
Editorial: ICE has no place at schools
Protester outside the Portland ICE facility with a sign saying “Why do I need protective gear just to hold this sign?” In the background, graffiti reads “Molotovs melt ICE” Molotovs are an improvised incendiary fire weapon used typically by revolutionaries and during riots.
Conflict at the ICE building
Unified soccer players Joanna Landazuri, junior, and Sophie Maher, senior, embrace one another with a high five after scoring a goal.
Unified soccer team plays Wilsonville High School for second home game of the year
The issue with gun violence coverage
The issue with gun violence coverage
Sophie Maher, junior, practices with the cheer team in the dance room.
Cheer all together
The first to get his head shaved, Joe Kloucek, student engagement specialist, was one of seven teachers who volunteered for a chance to go bald.
‘Brave the shave’
The independent student media site of West Linn High School

wlhsNOW
The independent student media site of West Linn High School

wlhsNOW
All content by Brooke Thomsen
Happy Halloween, Lions!-original digital artwork by Brooke Thomsen

Happy Halloween, Lions!-The Spooky Season

Brooke Thomsen, Kaleidoscope Contributor
October 30, 2021

Its time to celebrate Halloween, lions! Counting down the final hours till The Spooky Season challenge concludes. Remember, art and writing for this challenge will be taken up to midnight on Halloween.

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