Skip to Main Content
The independent student media site of West Linn High School

wlhsNOW

The independent student media site of West Linn High School

wlhsNOW

The independent student media site of West Linn High School

wlhsNOW

Gillian McMahon

Gillian McMahon, Design Editor

A real renaissance woman, Gillian McMahon, senior, has been a part of the journalism program since freshman year. Starting in yearbook and quickly working her way up to Design Editor, McMahon now works on the Amplifier. “Since I was a kid, I’ve loved creating,” McMahon said. “Whether it was writing or graphic design, I enjoyed seeing my dreams out in front of me.”

Outside of journalism, McMahon loves music and plays in a band, releasing her own original music on the likes of Spotify and iTunes.

“I’ve always been quiet,” McMahon said. “Journalism has allowed me to discover my school and meet new people.” While she plans to continue journalism in college, she wants to help people and hopes to become an environmental science lawyer.

When she’s not designing the Amplifier, you can find McMahon in a coffee shop or watching a Wes Anderson film. “Wes Anderson inspires my music,” McMahon said. “There’s something about his dry way to tell a story that influences how I tell mine.”

All content by Gillian McMahon
Photo illustration by Gillian McMahon

A rundown on the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates

Gillian McMahon, Design Editor
February 2, 2020

With the Democratic primaries coming up for the 2020 presidential race, people are starting to consider who they would like to run as the Democratic candidate. Many Americans are finding it hard to know...

During a practice at Mt. Hood Meadows, Ashley Chon tests out her skills on the slops.

Cement to snow

Gillian McMahon
January 31, 2020

Varsity snowboarder, Ashley Chon, has been on a board since fifth grade when she lived in Chicago. Now, she’s off the streets and on the mountains doing speed runs for the women’s snowboard team. Chon...

[Video] Talking Green Society

Gillian McMahon, Design Editor
December 5, 2019

Delaney Southards, senior, talks Environmental club Green Society in this feature interview. Discover why we have no composting at 1:18 and skip to 5:47 to hear how you can join Green Society. StoryCorps...

Front woman, Lydia Night, and guitarist, Genessa Gariano during the Wonder Ballroom performance.

How Portland loved the Regrettes

Gillian McMahon, Design Editor
December 2, 2019

It was a sea of people, all holding up middle fingers and cursing to the lyrics of “Seashore” by the Regrettes with frontwoman Lydia Night. Wednesday, Oct. 16 brought punk rock band, The Regrettes,...

Davala promotes his "Soulkind' series at the 2019 Rose City Comic Con.

[Photo] A story to tell

Skylar Moore, Co-Editor in Chief
September 25, 2019

Davala promotes his "Soulkind' series at the 2019 Rose City Comic Con.

"You're in class and feel like you really need to Juul,” Michelle Bloom, school nurse, said. "So you're not really in class because you're heading out to do that.”

[Photo] The dangers of Juuling

Zoe Barnett, People Editor
September 23, 2019

"You're in class and feel like you really need to Juul,” Michelle Bloom, school nurse, said. "So you're not really in class because you're heading out to do that.”

Photo courtesy of Screen Rant

Spider-Man departs from Disney Studios

Gillian McMahon, Design Editor
September 16, 2019

It came as a surprise on Aug. 20 when Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige announced that Spider-Man would no longer be apart of their cinematic universe. Fans everywhere were left with broken hearts as they...

A growing force, the women's golf team placed third in state. Women have been golfing since the 1500s, starting with Mary Queen of Scots, and have grown to a startling 5.7 million golfers since. "I joined the team my freshmen year," Ashlee Muresan,  senior, said. "I played a little when I was younger, but I got into it four years ago."

A look into women’s golf

Gillian McMahon, Advice Columnist
June 5, 2019

 

Sincerely, Amber (Advice Column Vol. 4)

Gillian McMahon, Advice Columnist
June 3, 2019

How do I forgive someone who objectified me? Sincerely, Not An Item - Dear Not An Item, First, I want to admire you for even wanting to forgive in the first place. Forgiveness is one of the most...

West Linn Student Rides to Fourth in Equestrian Competition

West Linn Student Rides to Fourth in Equestrian Competition

Gillian McMahon, Advice Columnist
May 31, 2019

Thirty-five thousand horse riders across the nation competed, and Kaylyn McGrady, junior, prevailed. Placing fourth in varsity horse riding, McGrady is making a name for herself in the equestrian world....

Untitled-1

[Photo] Don’t panic

Zoe Barnett, Mental Health Correspondent
May 28, 2019

Sincerely, Amber (Advice Column Vol. 3)

Gillian McMahon, Advice Columnist
May 21, 2019

Does the school have any robots? Sincerely, Curious - Dear Curious, We do have robots! The robotics team in Mr. Manes' room has lots of robots that they've built themselves. You should check out...

Image courtesy of Netflix.

Ranking the Umbrella Academy episodes

Gillian McMahon, Advice Columnist
April 29, 2019

As of late, Netflix has been releasing more original titles, and each one is better than the last. "The Umbrella Academy," their most recent release, is attracting popularity from everyone. Released...

A couple things to know before becoming a brand ambassador

Gillian McMahon, Advice Columnist
April 23, 2019

In the era of social media, brand ambassadors are becoming a commodity as companies work with people, typically 18-24 to promote their line. From offering free items to discounted purchases, many millennials...

Dear Parents: don't prepare the road for the child

Dear Parents: don’t prepare the road for the child

Gillian McMahon, Advice Columnist
April 22, 2019

When news broke Tuesday about the college scandal, many people responded with shock. The news that stars like Lori Laughlin and other wealthy elites were bribing their way into colleges like the University...

Over 1.5 million students worldwide participated in the global climate strike on March 15, 2019, and an even bigger turnout is expected this Friday.

How we are Hypocrites

Gillian McMahon, Advice Columnist
April 20, 2019

In a fight against climate change, teens all across the country protested on March 15 to change policies and help ensure a better future. Still, some people showed up with no idea what they were protesting...

A look into Portland Wizard World

A look into Portland Wizard World

Gillian McMahon, Advice Columnist
March 21, 2019

I've been to countless comic conventions over the years in various states. Some of these conventions have been extraordinary, and some have fallen flat. Every year, Portland houses two conventions:...

Sincerely Amber: What Does Our School Do for Sexual Assault?

Gillian McMahon, Advice Columnist
March 19, 2019

Why do you think the school administration does so little to help the girls who come forward with rape and sexual harassment allegations against boys at our school? Sincerely, #MeToo. Dear #MeToo, As...

Sincerely, Amber: Advice Column 2

Gillian McMahon, Advice Columnist
March 14, 2019

What are some healthy coping mechanisms? Sincerely, Stretched Thin Dear Stretched Thin, Having a healthy way to cope with stress, depression, grief, and more is vitally important. I'm glad you're...

Courtesy of Marvel Studios.

7 reasons why ‘Captain Marvel’ is the feminist hero of the year

Gillian McMahon, Advice Columnist
March 10, 2019

Just like in 1868 when Elizabeth Cady Stanton how she urged men to work with women and fully acknowledge their power, "Captain Marvel" is reminding us just how amazing women can be. "Captain Marvel" came...

Interview with an admin: walkout

Gillian McMahon, Advice Columnist
February 16, 2019

On Feb. 4 students from West Linn organized a walkout to advocate for the new Oregon health curriculum to be adopted. They protested in favor for the adoption of a new health curriculum. The walkout...

Photo illustration by Gillian McMahon.

Why ‘Twilight’ is the best book

Gillian McMahon, Advice Columnist
February 8, 2019

The "Twilight" discourse has been a conversation that has plagued us since the book first hit the shelves. It reached peak insanity when the 2008 movie was first released, and is now ingrained in our culture...

Load More Stories
Donate to wlhsNOW
$75
$500
Contributed
Our Goal

Activate Search
Gillian McMahon