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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

Nicole Joerger

Nicole Joerger, Co-Editor-in-Chief

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 her life -- often practicing more than five hours every day, barely finding time to squeeze in homework, friends and journalism. However  this year, she is taking a break from dance and looking at life through a new perspective.

“My parents told me that if I didn’t dance this year they would pay for my car insurance,” Joerger said. “So that was a way for me to save money. Also I’m taking AP classes, plus Amplifier, so I thought it would be good to have more free time.”

Finding just what to do with that free time is proving a little more difficult. Coming home without a full schedule is a foreign feeling for Joerger.

“It’s definitely strange to be able to sit down and just chill after school.”

That doesn’t mean she plans on relaxing her senior year away. As Co-editor-in-chief of the Amplifier, her plate is still full. Joerger has a long list of improvements and plans for the publication that she hopes to implement this year.

“I’ve learned a lot, and I want to put my ideas into place. I definitely want to be stricter with deadlines this year and stay organized,” she said.

Last year, Joerger unofficially took on a leadership position in the class, and discovered she enjoyed it. Over the summer, Joerger spent hours creating spreadsheets, plans and story ideas for the Amplifier to use in the fall.

“It just kind of happened naturally,” Joerger said. “I wanted to have better organization so I sort of took the issue into my own hands, and I found I really liked having a bigger role in class.”

Maybe that’s because it reminds Joerger of her future career aspirations as a teacher. Spending time with her little niece and nephew reinforces how much she wants to teach elementary school.

“They have such positive outlooks on life. They’re always smiling and are never stressed, which is a quality I admire,” she said.

No matter her focus in life, Joerger makes it seem easy. Even without ballet, leading a class, while keeping focused on the future, is no easy task.  But after eleven years of dancing, Joerger has learned to balance her responsibilities with grace.

All content by Nicole Joerger

Amplifier 2016 Senior Edition

Nicole Joerger and Emily Topping
June 3, 2016

Below is our Amplifier 2016 Senior Edition. Click the link below to read feature articles, and to find out where seniors are going to college. https://issuu.com/amplifier/docs/finalized  

West Linn student donates blood in a previous blood drive. This year WLHS is hosting a third blood drive specifically for seniors and select juniors.

The Red Cross blood drive makes a third appearance at West Linn high school on April 14

Nicole Joerger, Co-Editor-in-Chief
April 14, 2016

By now students are used to the semi-annual blood drive that West Linn high school hosts. However, this will be the first year that WLHS will be hosting a third, and smaller blood drive. This Red Cross...

Red Cross blood drive set to arrive Feb. 8

Nicole Joerger, Co-Editor-in-Chief
February 9, 2016

By now West Linn high school students are  familiar with the semi-annual routine of hosting a blood drive. So it may come as no surprise to see the gymnasium filled with blood bags and vials, while students...

“American Horror Story” returns for its sixth season; “Hotel.” The new season stars the recurring main cast, with the exception of Jessica Lange, and has a completely new gruesome storyline about an eerie hotel.

Lady Gaga checks into “American Horror Story, Hotel,” replacing Jessica Lange as the lead role

Nicole Joerger, Co-Editor in chief
October 29, 2015

Ever since the premiere in 2011, “American Horror Story” has sparked a cult following with it’s deranged characters, unique storylines and macabre theme. With the premiere of the fifth season, “Hotel,”...

Anisha Arcot, sophomore  knew from a young age that she needed to participate in a foreign exchange. When the opportunity arose to travel to Beijing, China, she didn't hesitate.

Experiencing the college lifestyle as a freshman while traveling abroad

Nicole Joerger, Co-Editor in Chief
October 13, 2015

Anisha Arcot, sophomore, was raised with an advantage over other children; she was given the opportunity to begin learning a second language at the age of six. “My parents realized how powerful China...

Isaac Wilkinson, senior, and Anna-Maria Hartner, junior and president of WLHS’s Red Cross Club, converse during last years blood drive. The Red Cross blood drive will be on Oct. 6

Red Cross blood drive will be arriving to West Linn high school on Oct. 6

Nicole Joerger, Co-Editor in Cheif
October 5, 2015

Blood bags, vials, and students will fill West Linn high school’s gym on Oct. 6. as Red Cross workers stay busy drawing blood. The Red Cross Blood Drive is coming to WLHS and providing students with...

Kyla Minato, senior, spent almost a year in France and just returned home on July 5. Minato is now fluent in French and during her stay she fully immersed herself into the French culture.

After ten months of escapading throughout France, Kyla Minato, senior, returns to the United States

Nicole Joerger, Co-Editor-in-Chief
September 22, 2015

Embarrassing is the only way Kyla Minato, senior, can describe her French at the beginning of her travels. “It’s really the only way I can put it, no one knew what I was saying,” Minato said,...

Numerous activities offered for West Linn teens over the summer

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
June 12, 2015

With summer approaching, many teens are looking for ways to stay entertained and busy. West Linn Public Library is offering numerous activities for students entering grades 6-12. Each activity offered...

Disaster movie, “San Andreas,” turns out disastrous

Disaster movie, “San Andreas,” turns out disastrous

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
June 12, 2015

Breathtaking special effects, human weaknesses and dramatic acting are typically exhibited in disaster films and “San Andreas” showcases them. While “San Andreas” brings an upcoming issue to the...

Rebecca Cruze, Class of 2015, finds a spiritual awakening with a change of surroundings

Rebecca Cruze, Class of 2015, finds a spiritual awakening with a change of surroundings

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
June 3, 2015

Aiming to interact with people who live in a vastly different environment than West Linn, Rebecca Cruze, Class of 2015, spent three months away from her suburban home to travel throughout Southeast Asia. Cruze...

Natalie Byrne, junior, played midfield position at the state championship game on May 20. Byrne will be attending her dream college, University of Southern California after receiving a scholarship before her sophomore year.

California girl at heart, Natalie Byrne, achieves her lifelong dream

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
June 2, 2015

Walking along the sandy beaches, laying poolside and playing her favorite sport are just some of the numerous activities Natalie Byrne, junior, looks forward to enjoying during her college years. With...

Mac Demarco captures his audience with originality and energy on stage

Mac Demarco captures his audience with originality and energy on stage

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
May 4, 2015

After the release of his album, “Salad Days,” Mac Demarco entered the limelight because of his unique sound and captivating stage presence. Just a year ago, when I began listening to Mac Demarco,...

WLHS boys think of creative ways to ask girls to prom; Kevin Galloway, junior, asks Natalie McMillan, sophomore, in her Photo 1 class by having her develope photos that spell out “prom.” Prom is scheduled for May 16 at the Oregon Zoo from 8-11. Tickets go on sale next week and are $40.

Prom scheduled for May 16 at the Oregon Zoo

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
May 1, 2015

Party buses, dresses, tuxes, nails, hair and spray tans are all on the minds of West Linn High School students with prom being under a month away. The Oregon Zoo from 8-11p.m. on May 16 and tickets will...

Jenny Reynolds and Nicole Jackson, sophomores, competed in Children Cancer Association Idol on April 17 to help raise money for children fighting cancer. Through ticket sales CCA made over $15,000 for families affected by cancer.

Children’s Cancer Association raises money to help bring joy to children going through treatment

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
April 29, 2015

Sometimes it takes more than medicine to bring health and happiness to children and their families fighting cancer. It takes friendship, courage, joy and music. Volunteers with Children's Cancer Association...

Frank Craft, freshman, bikes to school every day and has won the biking challenge twice. Teresa Roland, junior, started the WLHS biking challenge to encourage students to enjoy the outdoors, stay active and save the planet. If you are interested in participating in the WLHS Biking Challenge forms can be found in Andy West’s room (E203).

WLHS biking challenge influences students to stay fit, enjoy the outdoors and help save the planet

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
April 17, 2015

With summer just around the corner many students look forward to spending time outdoors. Not only is Teresa Roland, junior, planning on biking regularly in the summer but she hopes to influence others...

Riley Knowles, sophomore, competes in West Linn High School’s Poetry Out loud Competition in Feb. Knowles won the school competition, placed in the top three at Regionals and placed second in State.

Riley Knowles, sophomore, places second in the State Poetry Out Loud competition

Nicole Joerger, Staff Reporter
March 20, 2015

Since winning the school wide Poetry Out Loud competition in Feb. for her poems “Blackberrying” by Sylvia Plath and “A Song in the Front Yard” by Gwendolyn Brooks, Riley Knowles, sophomore, advanced...

Cooper Hill’s memorial service scheduled for March 7

Cooper Hill’s memorial service scheduled for March 7

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
March 4, 2015

The memorial service for Cooper Hill, junior, who was killed in a car accident in the Columbia River Gorge is set for Saturday, March 7. The service will be held at Willamette Christian Church, 3153 S....

Meredith Bowers, senior, donates blood for the second time this year. WLHS students and staff gave 99 units of blood total, potentially saving up to 297 lives.

Red Cross Blood Drive collects 99 units from students and staff

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
February 27, 2015

Over 100 students, teachers and phlebotomists filed into West Linn High School's gym on Wednesday Feb. 25, to donate blood to the Red Cross Blood Drive. Throughout the span of the school day, 99 students...

Ian Mathes, junior looks forward to giving blood during the last West Linn High School blood drive. WLHS students will have the opportunity to save up to three lives by donating blood on Feb. 25.

Red Cross Blood Drive returns to West Linn on Feb. 25.

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
February 23, 2015

The Red Cross Blood Drive is providing West Linn High School students the opportunity to save three lives by donating blood on Feb. 25. Students can register to donate in the library or through any of...

American Horror Story returned for its fifth season. “Freak Show” stars the same main cast as its previous seasons, including Jessica Lange, Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson while featuring a completely new storyline.

American Horror Story “Freak Show” asks: Who are the real freaks?

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
January 21, 2015

Ever since the premiere in 2011, “American Horror Story” has captured audiences all over the world with its unique storylines and demented characters. With the season finale of the fourth season nearing,...

Louis Zamperini, played by Jack O’Connell, along with two other men, Domhnall Gleeson and Finn Wittrock, were stuck at sea for 47 days after surviving a fatal plane crash, only to be captured by the Japanese and sent to a prisoner of war camp. Zamperini contributed a huge amount to this film but unfortunately died a couple months before the release of the movie.

“Unbroken” leaves us wondering if we too are Unbreakable

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
January 16, 2015

Based on the true story of a WW2 war veteran, “Unbroken” directed by Angelina Jolie, is an astonishing story about human endurance, but despite its storyline and its good cast, it proved to be underwhelming...

John Ott, street performer, hopes to return home to Kentucky for the holidays by collecting spare change from Portland citizens. Ott's parents and siblings are excited for him to return after not seeing him since he moved to Portland almost four years ago.

“Home for the Holidays or Bust”

Nicole Joerger and Emily Topping
December 17, 2014

“Somewhere elsewhere across state lines, I sit and drink to pass the time. Nowhere to go, nothing to see and now I’m free.” On a bitterly cold street corner in downtown Portland, Ore. John Ott,...

Four West Linn High school teachers scheduled to take maternity leave

Four West Linn High school teachers scheduled to take maternity leave

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
December 4, 2014

Multiple teachers at West Linn are busy preparing for an exciting new arrival in their lives - a baby. Nikki Coleman, Brynn Gunderson, Annike Olson and Jennifer Howe are all taking their maternity leave...

Bella Montgomery, junior, climbs her way to the top

Bella Montgomery, junior, climbs her way to the top

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
November 19, 2014

While ascending up the rock wall, Bella Montgomery, junior, can’t remember a time in her life when she didn’t spend at least nine hours practicing every week. With a little more than three years of...

The 700 building was built in the 1950s and since the capital construction bond was passed in the November election WLHS will be able to renovate the building for around 5.75 million.

Construction bond passed, resulting in the expansion of 700 Building

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
November 13, 2014

Built in the 1950s, West linn High School’s 700 building is long due for a renovation according to Cheyenne Young, junior. It is located behind the main building and is the oldest building at WLHS. Throughout...

Anna-Maria Hartner, junior, received United States Citizenship on Sept. 22, 2014 after waiting nearly 13 years. Hartner is excited about what her future in the U.S will hold.

Anna-Maria Hartner, junior, earns United States Citizenship

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
October 16, 2014

Nearly 13 years after leaving Germany, her family and her friends, Anna-Maria Hartner, junior, has become a United States Citizen. While in her Advanced Placement French class at 2:45 p.m on Sept. 22,...

Sarah Taylor, senior at Jesuit High School, Ricardo Amorante, choreographer who taught the commissioned variation, and Allison MacMillan, senior, competed in the Genée in Antwerp Belgium. If you are interested in seeing MacMillan perform in the upcoming show “A Nutcracker Tea” tickets are available at http://www.nwdt.org/portlanddanceinbloom.html

Allison MacMillan’s dance takes her across Europe

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
October 16, 2014

For 14 years Allison MacMillan, senior, has counted dance as one of the most important things in her life. “I started dancing when I was three because my mom signed me up for a class,” MacMillan said....

Huge freshman class results in shortage of lockers

Huge freshman class results in shortage of lockers

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
September 17, 2014

With 1671 students enrolled in West Linn High School, 471 are freshman, making this freshman class the largest in the history of West Linn High School. As a result, one of the issues has been a shortage...

Senior Emma Waibel, 100th Rose Queen, visits the Pendleton Round-Up this weekend

Senior Emma Waibel, 100th Rose Queen, visits the Pendleton Round-Up this weekend

Nicole Joerger, People Editor
September 12, 2014

Although she had a goal of becoming one of 15 Rose Festival princesses, never in her wildest dreams did Emma Waibel, senior expect to become the Portland Rose Queen. As a part of her reign as queen...

Kyla Minato, sophomore, starts off her journey in France

Nicole Joerger, Staff Reporter
June 13, 2014

Hoping to taste European schooling Kyla Minato, sophomore, will be leaving for France on a ten-month exchange this September. Minato will be traveling through the AFA intercultural program. Inspired...

Tips from local psychologists on how to deal with stresses and signs of depression

Nicole Joerger, Staff Reporter
June 10, 2014

In the United States alone, 4,600 teens from the ages of 10-24 commit suicide each year according to The Jason Foundation. These past couple of years our West Linn community has experienced the consequences...

Mamo Waianuhea, senior’s photo she entered in the WLWV Art show. Waianuhea’s photo was selected as a finalist in the 34th annual college and high school photography contest.

Mamo Waianuhea, Class of 2014, shows her passions through her art

Nicole Joerger, Staff Reporter
June 4, 2014

With a 4.0 GPA, Mamo Waianuhea, senior, strives  to do her best in school and shows her interests through her art and photography.  Waianuhea became involved with art during classes at school. “I...

Winter Spirit Week premieres next week

Winter Spirit Week premieres next week

Nicole Joerger and Meredith Bowers
March 7, 2014

A winter spirit week has been added to the week of March 10-14 by the Associated Student Body. Sarah McKay, sophomore ASB officer, would like everyone to participate because according to McKay, the week...

Athletic director experiences a new outlook on life with birth of fraternal twins

Athletic director experiences a new outlook on life with birth of fraternal twins

Nicole Joerger, Staff Reporter
March 5, 2014

“I am sure when I reflect in a year from now I will be astounded with all that I have experienced,” Kevin Mills, Athletic Director, said. “I would not change any of it for anything. I have found...

Start Thinking About Classes Now

Start Thinking About Classes Now

Nicole Joerger, Staff Writer
February 21, 2014

Class schedules for the 2014-2015 school year at West Linn High School will be decided during forecasting which will take place in April. It is suggested by Megan Kohl, counselor, that all grade levels...

Finals week moved up in response to college transcript requests

Finals week moved up in response to college transcript requests

Nicole Joerger, Staff Writer
January 21, 2014

Because final examinations are a week earlier this year, students at West Linn High School have been forced to balance studying and extra-curriculars within a time period one week shorter than usual. However,...

Correspondence between academics and music

Correspondence between academics and music

Nicole Joerger, Staff writer
December 18, 2013

Playing an instrument as a child can really pay off. In fact it is considered one of the most beneficial skills a person can learn. Not many people realize the advantages to playing an instrument. Most...

Brie Balsbough swims her way to full ride scholarship

Brie Balsbough swims her way to full ride scholarship

Nicole Joerger, Staff Writer
December 18, 2013

Delicately balancing school, sports, family and friends, Brie Balsbough, senior, has completed a nearly impossible task. She has earned a 4.0 throughout her high school career, and has already secured...

Is the pressure in school too much?

Is the pressure in school too much?

Nicole Joerger, Staff Writer
December 2, 2013

With the stress of tests, homework and studying, some students believe that the only way to relieve the pressure is to buy and use ADHD pills. They use the ADHD pills in the belief that it will enhance...

ASB students collecting canned good at the student store in WLHS. West Linn strides to help out the community and families in need, our major fundraiser is the annual canned food drive held at WLHS.

WLHS kicks off its canned food drive, allowing student body to aid families in need

Nicole Joerger
November 14, 2013

While helping out in soup kitchens, participating in book drives, and donating clothing may be some popular events that West Linn High school students orchestrate to aid those in the community that are...

Cellist Mackenzie Ray, sophomore, plays cello with Metropolitan Youth South Symphony

Cellist Mackenzie Ray, sophomore, plays cello with Metropolitan Youth South Symphony

Nicole Joerger
October 31, 2013

Not only is Mackenzie Ray, sophomore at West Linn High School, a 3.57 GPA student, a swimmer, and a soccer player, but she is also an avid cellist currently playing with Metropolitan Youth Symphony. She...

Glancing into Hannah Russell’s dancing

Glancing into Hannah Russell’s dancing

Nicole Joerger, Staff writer
October 28, 2013

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...

Sarah Archuleta golfs her way to college scholarship

Sarah Archuleta golfs her way to college scholarship

Nicole Joerger
October 22, 2013

“Golf is a game that teaches you a lot of lessons. You learn how to be mentally strong, how to make comebacks, and how to compete in different situations.” Sarah Archuleta, senior, said. Archuleta...

West Linn High School homecoming candidates

Nicole Joerger
October 4, 2013

“I feel great being a homecoming prince. I did not see it coming!” Chad Crader one of the three senior homecoming princes said. In late September and early October the big question around West Linn...

Davala’s “The Soulkind Awakening” 13 years in the making pays off.

Davala’s “The Soulkind Awakening” 13 years in the making pays off.

Nicole Joerger
September 30, 2013

Not only is Steve Davala a middle school science teacher, husband and a father of two, but he is also the author of the newly published book “The Soulkind Awakening.” Ever since he was a boy Davala,...

Mission Trip combines helping others and growing spiritually

Nicole Joerger
September 20, 2013

“Helping others is the most rewarding thing that can be done, and I was extremely humbled this summer to donate my time to people who were in desperate need of love,” Annie Roethe, junior said. Forty-three...

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Nicole Joerger