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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

Mary Earp

Mary Earp, Co Editor-in-chief

Perfectionist, outgoing and busy are just three of the many words that describe Mary Earp, senior.   Earp heard about Amplifier from her eighth grade English teacher, and has been  a part of the staff since her freshman year. Currently, she is one of the three Co-Editors-in-chiefs of the paper.

Most  people have goals that they would like  to pursue in their life, and this is a true statement for Earp as well. “I want to be a doctor, and I know this sounds cheesy, but I would really like to make a difference in the world,” Earp said.  After high school,  her hopes include attending either Pomona  College or University of California, Berkeley.

Outside of school, Earp has a very hectic life which includes playing co-ed soccer, being a member of the school Mock Trial team and being  the President of National Honor Society.  She is traveling to New York in late October for an international Mock Trial Competition, Empire, where she is assigned to present the closing argument and both direct and cross examinations for the trial.

Some highlights of Earp’s summer were hanging out with friends and taking a vacation to North Carolina, where she visited family and spent some time at the warm sunny beach.

If Earp could visit any place two places in the world, she would choose “Italy and Machu Picchu, Peru, because the scenery is beautiful,” Earp said.

Her favorite year in high school so far was junior year.
“It  challenged me the most and broadened my horizons,” Earp said. So far in her senior year, the class Earp most enjoys is AP Environmental Science, “It’s very interesting, enlightening, and I have a great teacher,” Earp said.

Earp’s senior year is  packed with AP Environmental Science, AP Calculus BC and AP English, leaving her with a long night of work to complete.   The most challenging part of taking these classes “is all of the work involved,” Earp said.

So far, her last year in high school has been hectic and full of work, yet she is excited and looking forward to all of the opportunities that lie ahead in her future.

All content by Mary Earp
You’re making ‘a huge mistake’ if you’re not watching “Arrested Development” this weekend

You’re making ‘a huge mistake’ if you’re not watching “Arrested Development” this weekend

Charlie Craft
May 24, 2013

Hardcore fans, an unbeatable cast, and seven years of anticipation: this weekend, on May 26, “Arrested Development” is back. The defunct Fox sitcom that lasted only four seasons (2003-2006) is returning...

His Holiness speaks at Memorial Coliseum, Red Hot Chili Peppers follow

His Holiness speaks at Memorial Coliseum, Red Hot Chili Peppers follow

Mary Earp
May 13, 2013

Buddhism and Rock and Roll are generally not thought of as going together, but last Saturday, the two were married perfectly. On May 11, His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke at Memorial Coliseum, and his...

“The Real World: Portland” to premiere in late March

“The Real World: Portland” to premiere in late March

Mary Earp
March 20, 2013

For the first time ever, MTV has created a “The Real World: Portland.” To see our city being featured on MTV, tune in next Wednesday, March 27 at 10 p.m. “The Real World” is a reality television...

Jazz Choir and Women’s Choir take third at CCC Vocal Jazz Festival

Mary Earp
March 20, 2013

The Jazz Choir and Women’s Choir each placed third at the Clackamas Community College Vocal Jazz Festival which took place at CCC on March 14. According to Barbara Fontana, choir teacher, the fact that...

An inside look at the May Court election process

Charlie Craft
March 19, 2013

Your 2013 May Court: Princess Sophie Bangs Princess Mary Earp Princess Dominique Evans Princess Sarah Gibson Princess Elisabeth Haffner Princess Leah Henningsen Princess Paige Myers Princess Emmalee...

Vine utilizes innovative technology and a familiar format to grow its following

Vine utilizes innovative technology and a familiar format to grow its following

Charlie Craft
March 15, 2013

Myspace, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter and Instagram are just a few of the social media websites that make up a multi-billion dollar industry that is less than a decade old. Now another social media program...

Depression and confusion actually make for some fun in “Side Effects”

Depression and confusion actually make for some fun in “Side Effects”

Charlie Craft
March 5, 2013

“Side Effects” is one of those films that you walk out of theater thinking about and you continue thinking about for the rest of the day. A masterpiece of the low-action, slow-burn suspense thriller,...

Arun Gandhi visits Athey Creek Middle School

Arun Gandhi visits Athey Creek Middle School

Mary Earp
February 26, 2013

Arun Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson, spread his message of peace at Athey Creek Middle School on Feb. 25. He emphasized how each person can play a part in creating a more peaceful world. “The...

Former WLHS student and current Gresham teacher writes novel about deadly virus

Former WLHS student and current Gresham teacher writes novel about deadly virus

Mary Earp
February 20, 2013

Shelbi Wescott, Class of 1998, released her debut novel called “Virulent” on Feb. 2. Wescott credits her success to her time at WLHS. “My teachers at West Linn, especially my English teachers,...

Blake Slover excells in singing

Blake Slover excells in singing

Mary Earp
February 7, 2013

The lights go down. Suddenly, a spotlight centers on Blake Slover, sophomore. She looks out at the crowd, soaking up every minute of it. This is what Slover lives for. She is a singer who has performed...

Minimum wage rises in Oregon

Minimum wage rises in Oregon

Mary Earp
January 11, 2013

Minimum wage has now risen 15 cents to become $8.95. Oregon has the second highest minimum wage in the country, trailing behind Washington at $9.04 an hour. The Bureau of Labor and Industries announced...

Pascale Patterson earns perfect score on AP test

Mary Earp
January 7, 2013

Imagine being only one of six students in the entire world to earn a perfect score on the AP Calculus AB test. For Pascale Patterson, senior, this is a reality. In 2012, 266,994 students took the AP...

Portland’s vibrant comedy scene creating stars and offering high quality entertainment for cheap

Charlie Craft
December 19, 2012

For a city of only 593,820, it’s impressive that Portland has one of the largest and most dynamic comedy scenes of any city in the country outside of Los Angeles and New York City. Portland has it’s...

Oliver Muggli goes to Africa to fulfill lifelong dream of service

Oliver Muggli goes to Africa to fulfill lifelong dream of service

Charlie Craft
November 30, 2012

Africa: a continent of unimaginable beauty and sorrow, the birthplace of the human race, and a place with some of the lowest life expectancies on the planet. Oliver Muggli, senior, experienced the continent...

Star Wars Episode VII: A New Hope or A Phantom Menace?

Charlie Craft
November 28, 2012

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, George Lucas made movie making history with his original Star Wars trilogy. Now Lucas is selling his empire to Disney, which has announced plans to make yet another...

Students chosen from WLHS to participate in local art show

Students chosen from WLHS to participate in local art show

Mary Earp
November 14, 2012

In a show that was open to the entire Portland Metro Area, 17 of West Linn’s own students were selected to be featured. The show is called “Artist Statement” and will run from Nov. 29-Dec. 2 at Pioneer...

Hurricane Sandy: a first hand perspective of being stranded in New York

Hurricane Sandy: a first hand perspective of being stranded in New York

Mary Earp
November 5, 2012

Watching the news it looked horrible—massive floods, thousands without power and damage beyond the hopes of repair. While Hurricane Sandy hit land, I sat with the Mock Trial Team watching the news, awaiting...

“Looper” delivers with heart-thumping suspense and solid plot

“Looper” delivers with heart-thumping suspense and solid plot

Charlie Craft
October 29, 2012

In the year 2044 civilization has gone a little downhill, cities are cesspools of poverty and nearly everyone needs to have a gun to defend themselves and their property. The only people who seem to have...

Music and Arts Partners holds successful benefit for WLWV schools

Mary Earp
October 22, 2012

Music and Arts Partners (MAP) held an event called Evening With Our Stars on Oct. 6 that brought in over $20,000 for the school district. The money will go to different aspects of arts programs in the...

“Sinister” proves to be an entertaining yet mediocre scary movie

“Sinister” proves to be an entertaining yet mediocre scary movie

Mary Earp
October 19, 2012

With believable acting, an interesting story and multiple twists and turns, “Sinister” proved to be different than a run-of-the-mill horror movie. Despite its positives, the movie did have its fair...

Students host political forum

Charlie Craft
October 11, 2012

With state representatives and mayoral candidates—students weren't kidding around when they said that they were hosting a legitimate political forum.  On Oct. 9 in the auditorium, students hosted Julie...

A.P. Government students organize political forum

Charlie Craft
October 8, 2012

With state representatives and mayoral candidate students weren't kidding around when they said that they were hosting a legitimate political forum.  On Oct. 9 in the auditorium, students hosted Julie...

Boys soccer team faces adversity after loss of seniors

Mary Earp
October 5, 2012

Varsity Boys Soccer team is encountering problems this season due to graduation of seniors. With only one win so far this season, the team needs to work on its chemistry, according to Greg Bean, head coach. “We...

Student directs full length play for first time in WLHS history

Mary Earp
September 28, 2012

For the first time in West Linn High School history, a student will be directing a play on her own. Kaelyn Rushforth, senior, is directing the play “Eurydice” by Sarah Ruhl, and she will be doing this...

Summer slows students' second semester studies

Summer slows students’ second semester studies

Charlie Craft
June 11, 2012

As summer nears, students are assaulted by a plethora of distractions that may obstruct their ability to study for finals. These are often internal—feeling malaise resulting from all the work put in...

Outdoor School: the experience of a lifetime

Mary Earp
June 5, 2012

Rocky beaches, sun gleaming through the clouds and a pleasant oceanic breeze at the Oregon coast. Then comes the cherry on top: the shrill screams of pre-teens; this is Outdoor School, a weeklong experience...

Thespians participate in successful State competition

Mary Earp
April 26, 2012

Reed Sturtevant and Caroline Hitesman, seniors, placed first and were chosen to showcase their duo musical piece at the State competition for Thespians. According to Jessica Murray, acting teacher, this...

James Siderius impressive background and looks toward a promising future

Mary Earp
April 23, 2012

After earning 19 fives on AP tests, researching at Portland State University, and still finding time to hang out with friends, James Siderius, senior, has a wide array of accomplishments for a 17-year-old....

Abby Bonington to attend the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance this summer

Mary Earp
April 17, 2012

Five hundred twenty-five miles away, advancing her artistic abilities in a place where she doesn't know anyone, Abby Bonnington, junior, will be attending the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance this summer....

Portlandia returns to IFC, along with innovative comedy

Portlandia returns to IFC, along with innovative comedy

Charlie Craft
April 9, 2012

"Portlandia," the sketch comedy show set in Portland that features odd- ball characters and bizarre catchphrases like: "Put a bird on it" and "We can pickle that" is the most viewed series ever to be featured...

ODS counselors announced

Charlie Craft
March 23, 2012

The senior girl counselors for the Rosemont Ridge Middle SchoolOutdoor School(ODS) are: Emily Axelrod, Hannah Beth Gilbert, Tori Guerchon, Haley Rivet, Blair Hogan, Alyssa Heath, Hannah Morton, Chloe McHenry,...

Senior Mock Trial Team takes second in State for the second year in a row

Senior Mock Trial Team takes second in State for the second year in a row

Mary Earp
March 23, 2012

For the second year in a row, the Senior Mock Trial Team swept away the competition when it took second in State last weekend at the Federal Courthouse in Portland. Though hoping to win first, the team...

WLHS National Merit Finalists reap the rewards of their academic excellence

WLHS National Merit Finalists reap the rewards of their academic excellence

Charlie Craft
March 19, 2012

Reed Sturtevant and Miranda James, seniors, were surprised earlier this month when they were informed that they were National Merit Scholarship finalists. James and Sturtevant were notified that they scored...

"Little Shop of Horrors" features big laughs, great music and one moral: "Don't feed the plants!"

“Little Shop of Horrors” features big laughs, great music and one moral: “Don’t feed the plants!”

Charlie Craft
March 8, 2012

Music. That’s what makes a great musical really great, and it’s the awesome songs and underscore that captured all the absurdity, comedy and poignant moments of the West Linn Theatre Arts Program’s...

Senior Mock Trial Team dominates at Regionals, looks to win State

Senior Mock Trial Team dominates at Regionals, looks to win State

Mary Earp
March 8, 2012

The Senior Mock Trial Team is advancing to state after sweeping the competition last Saturday at Regionals which were held at the Clackamas County Courthouse in Oregon City. The seniors were the only team...

Sasquatch! Music Festival provides groovy tunes, an exquisite location and a last powwow for seniors

Mary Earp
March 2, 2012

With headliners Jack White, Bon Iver and Beck, this year’s 11th annual Sasquatch! Music Festival lineup has led to an incredibly high demand for tickets. Other bands include The Shins, Tenacious D, Beirut...

“Little Shop of Horrors” premieres tonight!

Charlie Craft
February 23, 2012

West Linn High School Theatre Arts Program’s musical “Little Shop of Horrors” opens tonight, at 7p.m. The show is based on a comedy film released in 1960, and its subsequent Broadway and film adaptations,...

Snow on Salamo Road Tuesday

Charlie Craft
January 17, 2012

This footage was shot by Julie Dale, who was looking across Salamo road from Cascade Summit apartments at 9:30 Tuesday morning. According to Dale, her elevation was 648 feet.

West Linn-Wilsonville School District is one of only three in Oregon to achieve honor roll

West Linn-Wilsonville School District is one of only three in Oregon to achieve honor roll

Charlie Craft
January 5, 2012

This year, West Linn High School is one of just three high schools in the state to be named to the College Board’s second annual Advanced Placement district honor roll. Schools qualified if they have...

College tuition influences school choices

Mary Earp
December 14, 2011

From the housing market to finances in schools, the current economic condition is affecting nearly every area of our lives. It is also changing the way high school students applying for college, as they...

Operation Christmas Stocking provides homeless with much needed items

Operation Christmas Stocking provides homeless with much needed items

Charlie Craft
December 13, 2011

UPDATE DEC. 16: ASB collected a total of 162 Christmas stockings filled with needed items for homeless people in Portland. West Linn students and teachers donated toiletries and other requested items ...

West Linn High wrestling team plans striking changes for upcoming year

West Linn High wrestling team plans striking changes for upcoming year

Mary Earp
December 7, 2011

With a new study hall and a more enthusiastic team, this year’s wrestling team is experiencing a wide array of changes. These study halls, implemented by Doug Samarron, head coach, take place every...

Tabor food cart serves up home-style Czech food, fast and fresh

Tabor food cart serves up home-style Czech food, fast and fresh

Charlie Craft
December 7, 2011

A monstrous crispy and freshly fried breaded pork loin, sweet sautéed onion, savory paprika sauce, creamy horseradish, and crisp lettuce, with only a Grand Central Bakery ciabatta roll to separate your...

National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists represent West Linn’s Arts

Charlie Craft
November 29, 2011

West Linn’s vibrant arts program showed its true colors this year as a hotbed of potential when two students involved in the Arts qualified as National Merit Scholar semifinalists. The National Merit...

Things to be thankful for: a countdown to Thanksgiving

Things to be thankful for: a countdown to Thanksgiving

Mary Earp
November 14, 2011

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches we should all take the time to think of what we should be thankful for. Here is a top five list to help start your thinking. #5: Arts Programs at West Linn As the...

From razorblades and line tape to nearly all web-based: Amplifier through the ages

From razorblades and line tape to nearly all web-based: Amplifier through the ages

Mary Earp
November 9, 2011

The Amplifier has seen its fair share of changes, beginning 90 years ago in an entirely different technological age. Graeme Sandell, Language Arts teacher at Rosemont Ridge Middle School, worked on staff...

Alert! Emergency! The public must know! This is only a test

Charlie Craft
November 9, 2011

Today at 11a.m., the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are jointly testing the Emergency Alert System (EAS), and they want to let citizens know...

Check out Homecoming Court: celebrity crushes, bizarre dreams and more

Mary Earp
November 8, 2011

Victoria Guerchon, senior Favorite item of clothing: “Fuzzy Halloween socks with ghosts on them or yoga pants.” Favorite food: “Barbecue or French fries with honey mustard.” Favorite...

“Real Steel” script fails while robot-vs.-robot action wins

“Real Steel” script fails while robot-vs.-robot action wins

Charlie Craft
November 8, 2011

Futuristic robots smash themselves to pieces in an abandoned zoo populated by post-apocalyptic punk fans, yet no new cars have been made since 2011. Enter the bizarre world of “Real Steel.” I went...

Donate to families in need through the annual Canned Food Drive

Donate to families in need through the annual Canned Food Drive

Mary Earp
November 7, 2011

This year’s annual Canned Food Drive starts today, Monday, Nov. 7. Students are encouraged to bring in canned food to their second period classes, and only canned food is allowed. All of the food donated...

“Moneyball” provides entertainment and new insight on baseball economics

“Moneyball” provides entertainment and new insight on baseball economics

Mary Earp
October 28, 2011

Everyone knows the traditional baseball story: an underdog team overcomes challenges and eventually ends up winning the entire championship. “Moneyball,” a story involving baseball economics, strayed...

“Contagion”: A stark vision of a planet in panic

“Contagion”: A stark vision of a planet in panic

Charlie Craft
October 11, 2011

“Contagion” is the perfect analogy for the approaching overcast of the fall. As opposed to the over-the-top, action packed and generally uplifting summer blockbusters that have invaded movie theaters...

Students play a jeopardyesque game in Honors Law A. Many teachers have evaluated their teaching plans to accommodate the half-day Wednesdays.

Half-day Wednesdays allow more learning for all

Mary Earp
September 28, 2011

What students wouldn’t want a half-day every month? Beginning today, WLHS will be implementing a new system of half-day Wednesdays that will not only provide students with additional studying or recreational...

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Mary Earp