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

Karina Rower

Karina Rower, Web Editor-in-Chief

When she's not writing for wlhsNOW.com and the Amplifier, Karina Rower, senior, enjoys working to promote diversity with Affinity Club and volunteering with local charities that make clothes accessible, such as Abby's Closet and William Temple House. In addition to Rower's job as co-editor-in-chief, she also runs a podcast called The West Linn Weekly Wake Up, available on all podcast streaming platforms.  Follow her social media platforms to learn more about her interests and other endeavors.

All content by Karina Rower
‘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.

[Photo] ‘All Rise’ puts the spotlight back on Black Lives Matter

March 8, 2024

‘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...

The womens golf team qualified for regionals after placing third in their district competition.

Hitting the green

Audrey Lippert and Karina Rower
May 8, 2023

After a successful season that saw the team place at Three Rivers League (TRL) districts, women’s golf is moving on to regionals. There they will compete with other advancing teams from around the region,...

Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret has a number of classic coming-of-age moments, including an uncomfortable lesson about the menstrual cycle.

Reconsidering a rating

Karina Rower, Web Editor-in-Chief
May 4, 2023

Through a combination of adult wit and child-like whimsy, Judy Blume’s body of work has been beloved and revered by all ages spanning multiple generations. With her first young adult (YA) book in 1970,...

Jonathan Garcia, junior, sings Dont Cry for Me Argentina from the musical Evita at May Day.

Students react to performances at the 101st May Day celebration

Karina Rower, Web Editor-in-Chief
April 30, 2023

Amidst a Hollywood backdrop, the 101st May Day celebration was presented on April 28. In accordance with the theme “An Evening in La La Land,” the main gym was decorated with stars and a variety of...

Spring into the season with some new reads.

[Photo] April book recommendations to get you into the spring season

April 26, 2023

Spring into the season with some new reads.

McKayla Castro

McKayla Castro

Karina Rower, Web Editor-in-Chief
April 6, 2023

Though she hails from Tualatin, McKayla Castro, freshman, is starting her high school career pitching for the lions. Along with softball, Castro played junior varsity two (JV2) soccer in the fall as well...

Gracie Gabel

Gracie Gabel

Karina Rower, Web Editor-in-Chief
April 6, 2023

For Gracie Gabel, junior, family’s the name of the game.  “My family’s a really big baseball family,” Gabel said. “It’s always been pushed for us. Because they wanted me to do it, I did...

To give a complete preview of the season, wlhsNOW staff hosted a baseball media day, which included portraits in the studio and individual interviews with the players. Click below to see each players profile, which explains each players individual outlook for this season.

Getting to know the baseball team

After last year’s state championship, the baseball team is looking to win another. Continuity flows through their roster, as they feature eight returning members from last year’s championship-winning...

To give a complete preview of the season, wlhsNOW staff hosted a softball media day, which included portraits in the studio and individual interviews with the players. Click below to see each player’s profile, which explains each player’s individual outlook for this season.

Getting to know the softball team

After falling out of the quarterfinal in last year’s playoffs as the No. 27 seed, the softball team looks to bounce back. Last year, the softball team had a 1—17 start. Midway through the season,...

Drew Talavs

Drew Talavs

Karina Rower, Web Editor-in-Chief
April 6, 2023

From the start, Drew Talavs, senior, knew pitching was his calling.  “I've always been able to throw a little harder than the average person,” Talavs said. “I just worked hard on my arm and [the...

Danny Wideman

Danny Wideman

Karina Rower, Web Editor-in-Chief
April 6, 2023

Since he was five, playing shortstop has been a constant in the life of Danny Wideman, sophomore.  “I remember playing [shortstop] most of my life,” Wideman said. “Shortstop or centerfield, but...

To find the location for each challenge, competitors were given cryptic clues to decode. The challenges took place all across campus, inside and outside-- rain, snow, or shine.

[Photo] Off to the races

March 8, 2023

To find the location for each challenge, competitors were given cryptic clues to decode. The challenges took place all across campus, inside and outside-- rain, snow, or shine.

No matter how harrowing tax season may be, the Wang family stayed loyal to one another. From left to right, Joy (Stephanie Hsu), Waymond (Ke Huy Quan), Evelyn (Michelle Yeoh) and Gong Gong (James Hong) are pictured at one of their IRS meetings.

For your consideration: ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ brings representation and the multiverse to the 2023 awards season

Karina Rower and Audrey Lippert
February 27, 2023

Though “Everything Everywhere All at Once” is yet another film chronicling the complexities of the multiverse, it has already made history within the 2023 awards season. Actress Michelle Yeoh is the...

Sophia Burden, junior, performs as Mrs. Wormwood in a dress rehearsal for the 2022 fall musical Matilda.

Getting into character

Audrey Lippert and Karina Rower
February 9, 2023

Competition season has arrived for students involved in the theater department, with student actors recently having the opportunity to compete at Oregon’s Regional Acting Competition, which acts as...

Posters around school advertise West Linns Got Talent, the pageant happening in the Performing Arts Center on Dec. 10.

Associated Student Body kicks off first annual West Linn’s Got Talent pageant

Karina Rower, Web Editor-in-Chief
December 5, 2022

As high school traditions continue to evolve, one constant has remained— the senior class is the main event. Whether it be students applying to be on May Court or teams competing to win the Amazing Race,...

Shuris inspiring journey through grief and loss is the driving force behind Wakanda Forever.

‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ fills a void

Audrey Lippert and Karina Rower
December 1, 2022

“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is miles away from what it was originally written to be, yet somehow is the most cohesive film released by Marvel Studios this year. Following the tragic death of Chadwick...

After not qualifying in 2018 the U.S. Mens National Team will play in the World Cup for the first time since 2014.

[Photo] Predictions: World Cup

November 21, 2022

After not qualifying in 2018 the U.S. Men's National Team will play in the World Cup for the first time since 2014.

When the football team scores a touchdown, the  pep band plays the fight song and one senior runs the flag up and down the track below the stands.

Five ways Homecoming is changing this year

Audrey Lippert and Karina Rower
September 29, 2022

1) Location For the first time in two years, the Homecoming dance will once again be held in the main gym after the conclusion of the Homecoming football game instead of on the tennis courts. 2) Attire The...

“It really shows who’s behind you and really loves you” Earl Ingle, Senior

[Photo] Coming home to Homecoming

September 28, 2022

“It really shows who’s behind you and really loves you” Earl Ingle, Senior

Working as a club to create a rangoli art piece, the affinity club participates in various cultural traditions.

[Photo] Affinity Club

September 21, 2022

Working as a club to create a rangoli art piece, the affinity club participates in various cultural traditions.

Are our tears writing our essays? Students are taught to appeal to the emotions of our admission officers, but perhaps it has gone too far.

Demarginalizing the college admissions essay

Karina Rower and Audrey Lippert
September 14, 2022

*Names have been changed to protect students’ identities* “You know, you’re lucky you have something to write about in your essays,” Alex said. “I just don’t have anything to be discriminated...

For a more indepth conversation with Sky Gomes, listen to the newest episode of The West Linn Weekly Wakeup, available on all podcasting platforms.

ASB revisits past ideas with new perspective

Audrey Lippert and Karina Rower
September 2, 2022

Like every year, a fresh Associated Student Body (ASB) president is stepping into office, and along with shifting faces, a new advisor is now leading the class. Sky Gomes, senior, will be ASB President...

Aubrey Patterson leads ensemble group Fresh Pitch in a medley of Queen songs for a choir concert on June 6.

Amplifier continuation: Crescendoing to confidence

Karina Rower, Web Editor-in-Chief
June 7, 2022

AP: What were some of the most memorable moments of our festival season? So like January, until now. TW: Whoa. [laughs] KR: I mean, state was obviously very memorable.  AP: For me, it's bringing...

Call Me If You Get Lost album cover by Tyler the Creator

Call Me If You Get Lost – Tyler, The Creator (Best Rap Album)

Karina Rower, Web Editor-in-Chief
April 6, 2022

Tyler Okonma, known under the sobriquet Tyler, the Creator, released his sixth album “Call Me If You Get Lost” on June 25, 2021. With songs running up to nine minutes in length, this album has been...

Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish

Happier Than Ever – Billie Eilish (Album of the Year)

Karina Rower, Web Editor-in-Chief
April 6, 2022

“Happier Than Ever” parallels Eilish’s debut album in its message, but moves in a new direction sonically. Combining synth beats and traditional jazz rhythms creates a sound that’s genuine, unique,...

Live updates: Ukraine-Russia War

Live updates: Ukraine-Russia War

As of Mar. 7, the staff of wlhsNOW.com has suspended producing live updates for the time being. Read more wlhsNOW Ukraine-Russia coverage here.  As the events of the current war between Russia and...

Rue and Jules became an item in the first season, becoming loved by fans as the season progressed. Season two is anticipated for a multitude of reasons, but the relationship between Rue and Jules is universally loved by the Euphoria fanbase.

Predictions: Euphoria season two

Karina Rower, Co-Editor-in-Chief
January 7, 2022

Warning: The following article contains mentions of sexual assault and drug abuse, as well as spoilers for the first season of “Euphoria”.  In 2021, HBO's "Euphoria" was made known for an amalgamation...

Just one minute and maybe a little more. One Minute Rants, a new podcast available wherever you get them, dives into a wide range of topics and opinions presented by our own staff, but only for one minute.

[Photo] One Minute Rants

June 6, 2021

Just one minute and maybe a little more. One Minute Rants, a new podcast available wherever you get them, dives into a wide range of topics and opinions presented by our own staff, but only for one minute.

Billie Eilish performs songs from her album, “Don’t Smile At Me” on a stop of her “1 by 1” tour in Portland, Ore. on Oct. 23, 2018.

The queen of ‘anti-pop’ accepts her crown

Karina Rower, Web Editor
April 1, 2021

At 19 years old, Billie Eilish has won six Grammys, performed three tours, directed three music videos, released an EP and an album along with multiple hit singles. Eilish has done more than the average...

Being a sustainable consumer is a difficult position to take on in the world of fast fashion, and it can be easy to be performative and not up front about your shopping habits.

A sustainable choice: Evading ‘fast fashion’ in support of our planet

Karina Rower, Web Editor
March 4, 2021

When discussing climate change, often the fashion market’s severe impact on the planet goes unmentioned. Fashion is one of the foremost polluting industries in the world. We often forget this because...

The West Linn Weekly Wake Up 2020 year in review episode explores the most exciting and influential events of 2020. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

2020: A year in review

Audrey Lippert and Karina Rower
December 31, 2020

To wrap up 2020, podcast and blogs editor Audrey Lippert and web editor Karina Rower break down the year, month by month, listing important events that took place in each of them. Though the COVID-19 pandemic...

Ballot drop boxes in Oregon closed at 8 pm on Nov. 3.

Race for the Oval Office

Audrey Lippert and Karina Rower
November 4, 2020

Podcast and blogs editor Audrey Lippert and web editor Karina Rower give an update on local and national races amidst the 2020 Election. They will be discussing the Democrats chance to overturn the senate...

A student takes a picture for their social media page, posting it for their followers to see.

Connection at a cost: How the technology industry is working against users

Karina Rower, Web Editor
October 27, 2020

TW: suicide Social media has become the cornerstone of life for most teens. Amidst the pandemic, students have taken to social media for multiple reasons: self-expression, communication with peers,...

In the “Pandemic” docuseries, it mainly focuses on the doctors and scientists in very close proximity to the virus. The series is now streaming on Netflix.

“Pandemic: How to Prevent an Outbreak” shows the ins and outs of a virus

Karina Rower, Co-Arts and Culture Editor
May 22, 2020

When it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many unknowns. We didn’t know how our society and daily routines would be disrupted. We don’t know when our lives will return to normal. We don’t...

In the counseling office, you can find the pamphlets made by the Feminist Club. It includes  information involving legal rights, consent, and resources.

Finding the change: new resources for stopping sexual harassment

Karina Rower, Co-Arts and Culture editor
March 9, 2020

In today’s world, it is important to reflect on the way people can come together to solve problems. The Feminist Club has become a club that supports and advocates for the benefit of the student body....

Payton Hobart, portrayed by Ben Platt, listening to questions in the presidental debate.

Netflix’s newest original series shows darkest side of high school politics

Karina Rower, Staff Reporter
October 30, 2019

“The Politician is a comedy about moxie, ambition, and getting what you want at all costs. But for those who struggle with their mental health, some elements may be disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.”     This...

School dances evolving for “century of pride”

Karina Rower, Staff Reporter
October 10, 2019

School dances are considered a quintessential high school experience, and are conforming to new trends as the years go on. This year, the Associated Student Body (ASB), is taking old traditions and revamping...

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Karina Rower