The independent student media site of West Linn High School

wlhsNOW
Above the recently renovated front entrance of one of West Linn-Wilsonville's elementary schools, Willamette Primary School, the meaningful mascot "Douglasaurus" is displayed highlighting an inviting message on a welcome banner.
Out with the old: primary school closures
'Early release' is old news
‘Early release’ is old news
Off on the wrong foot: Olympic breakdancing
Off on the wrong foot: Olympic breakdancing
Going green gone wrong
Going green gone wrong
Booker, a library and Tales to Tails dog, came to the West Linn High School library on Sept. 19 with Melanie Nelson, a library staff member. Nelson was the owner of Otto, the first West Linn Public Library therapy dog, and now takes care of Booker and Gunner, the latter of which is a therapy dog in training. Booker is a Leonberger registered through Pet Partners.
Pup to the task
The end of an era
The end of an era
Green Horizons: Throughout President Biden's four years in office, he has enacted many policy decisions centered around climate and wildlife sustainability. "As President, I’ll use my executive powers to combat the climate crisis," Biden said.
Balancing ambition with political realities
How well do you know the Pacific Northwest's nature?
How well do you know the Pacific Northwest’s nature?
Taylor Swift has been subjected to criticism about carbon footprint among the general population.
Taylor Swift threatens lawsuit over flight tracker
Wildfires were prevalent all over Oregon this past fire season.
In the line of fire
CTE Environmental Science Club travels to see great gray owls
CTE Environmental Science Club travels to see great gray owls
The density of the strike took up both lanes and the sidewalks of the Burnside Bridge as the group continued toward Pioneer Place. There are two banners held at the front of the group. One reads "Shut down Zenith oil" calling out the company Zenith, a company that carries toxic and flammable materials along unmaintained railroads. The other sign says "Tina Kotek, act now," urging Gov. Tina Kotek to keep her promises of staying on top of climate change in the state of Oregon.
Rising voices: images of the youth-led Portland Climate Strike
Students created signs before the protest to display their message.
Students speak volumes on gun control
Preparation not reparation
Preparation not reparation
Amelia Deckert and Jonathan Garcia pose for a photo after sharing words about the recent school shooting and hold a moment of silence in honor of the victims.
Students walkout to demand stricter gun laws
Measure 114 aims to reduce gun violence rates in Oregon by banning the sale of large-capacity magazines and installing mandatory background checks before firearm purchases.
Firearm regulations cause controversy
State Representative Julie Parrish speaks about her experience as a wife of someone who served in Iraq.
Candidates Parrish, Prusak, and Paulson lay out visions for Oregon
Student activism at WLHS
Video-sharing app TikTok is on the brink of being banned.
Congress attempting to pass a motion that will ban video-sharing app TikTok
Green Horizons: Throughout President Biden's four years in office, he has enacted many policy decisions centered around climate and wildlife sustainability. "As President, I’ll use my executive powers to combat the climate crisis," Biden said.
Balancing ambition with political realities
On Aug. 30, a brick shattered the Clackamas County Democratic Headquarters
Brick shatters window of Democratic Building
Tina Kotek has stated that the State will support doctors' prescriptions of abortion medication.
Oregon post-Roe
After the Congressional Budget Offices' announcement on May 12, Americans are waiting for more information before the month ends.
Detrimental debt
City Hall is the base of West Linn politics. The City Council is housed here, as well as the mayor’s office. They house meetings focused on city issues and changes.
Rory Bialostosky, the superior choice
The womens varsity cross country team is comprised of seven runners who had the fastest times in the most recent meet.
Getting to know the 2024 womens cross country team
Bernice Wayland, senior, is a captain on the womens varsity soccer team and was recognized as the Three Rivers League Player of the Year.
Bernice Wayland wins Three Rivers League Player of the Year award
Football Head Coach Jon Eagle has been coaching the football team for two years.
What the Pac-12 separation means for the future of football in Oregon
Stampede. Competitors from different schools try to gain a distant advantage from one another, before being taken down by the mud.
The cross country teams gear up for districts
The mens soccer team is currently ranked 9th in state according to OSAA.
Fall sports progress and predictions
Getting to know more about the womens soccer seniors
Getting to know more about the womens soccer seniors
Travis Myers was recently hired to coach the mens basketball team for the 2024-25 season.
Mens basketball team rebounding with new coach
Iowa guard Caitlin Clark tore her way through the NCAA Womens Basketball Tournament, advancing to the title game while averaging a whopping 30 points per game.
The Caitlin Clark effect
On Feb. 27 and Feb. 28 both basketball teams picked up first round wins in the 6A OSAA state playoffs.
First round recap: basketball teams move on to second round
Max Juhala and Nick DiGuilio, both seniors, high five each other early in the first quarter.
Mens basketball team wins 75—65 on senior night to close out regular season
Alaina Moore, senior, walks on to the court with family to join the ceremony. Moore has been on the varsity team for three years. “I’ve learned a lot about leadership, and especially just being there for those that you care about,” Moore said.
Womens basketball team wins on senior night 66—30
On Feb. 17, the wrestling team became Three Rivers League district champions with 419.5 points at Lakeridge High School.
Wrestling team becomes district champions with five individual winners
Before the game against the Lakeridge Pacers, Brooke hands Curtis' family flowers to recognize a family friend's leukemia diagnosis.
Recognizing cancer, the softball team moves win streak to 15
Rally up. Robert Shevlin, the womens tennis team coach, gathers the varsity and junior varsity players together to prepare for their first match of the season on March 13 against Lakeridge.
A look into the 2024 tennis season
At the bottom of the third inning, the Lions are still scoreless. Rowe stands at home plate, preparing to bat, while Vandenbrink stands off to the side as the next batter up. Despite having the bases loaded, the team was unable to score any runs. “It’s just the beginning of the season. We’re just going to be playing out best by June, [and] that’s where champions are,” Rowe said.
Baseball team falls in home opener
Breaking a record of that stood for over a decade, Hayden Williams-Downing holds the school's newest record for a womens javelin throw.
Hayden Williams-Downing is ahead of the field in womens javelin
Baseball team goes back-to-back
Baseball team goes back-to-back
The women's lacrosse team has seven graduating seniors. All graduates were starters.
Lacrosse starters to fill senior voids
Getting to know the 2024 womens soccer team
Getting to know the 2024 womens soccer team
Tristan Peia, Cooper Gilbo, and Isaac Babalai, juniors, are all members of the mens varsity soccer team this year.
Getting to know the 2024 mens soccer team
Getting to know the 2023-2024 dance team
Getting to know the 2023-2024 dance team
Gallery: Womens basketball media day
Gallery: Womens basketball media day
Getting to know more about the womens soccer seniors
Getting to know more about the womens soccer seniors
Getting to know more about the mens soccer defenders
Getting to know more about the mens soccer defenders
Dressed in matching outfits, the Black Student Union (BSU) performs at last year's Clubs Got Talent. When the results were announced after the competition, BSU won second place.
Teaser: 2024 Clubs Got Talent
All together. To finish off the concert, all choirs joined on stage to perform “Water Fountain,” a song inspired by the California drought in 2013. Several students were seated on the edge of the stage clapping and playing percussion instruments to add to the sound. The song involved shouting, singing, and clapping.
Tuning in: choir program holds their first concert of the school year
The group's first stop was in the Quito, the capital of Ecuador, where they explored cultural sites. Photo courtesy of Gabe Garrett
Education on vacation: 2024 Galápagos trip
An e-bike resting against a guard rail outside of the Killer Burger near Salamo Road, just down the street from Rosemont Ridge Middle School.
School, scooters, Safeway, repeat
Going clubbing: 2024-25 club guide
Going clubbing: 2024-25 club guide
Slaughter teaches the orchestra class. Photo courtesy of Emily Pierce
Orchestrating the orchestra
Strength Training is a new class taught by Brooke Cates, a health and physical education teacher.
The rise of Strength Training
West Linn's case of "Senioritis"
West Linn’s case of “Senioritis”
COVID-19 has served as a turning point in academic loss among primary students.
Post-pandemic predicament
Michelle Bonham and Alison Farrel, learning specialists, organize the schedules of the paraeducators to help them figure out who they are helping. The paraeducators will then report back to the administration.
‘We’re just there to help everybody’
College applications can be filled with questions, details, and goals.
College application season underway
On a given Flex Life class period, StudentVUE provides information on what Flex class you are going to.
The rundown on Flex scheduling
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
Continuing to compete: seniors commit to schools for academics and athletics
Continuing to compete: seniors commit to schools for academics and athletics
Picking out a dress, Abby Wilson looks through the “glam rack.” The glam rack is a rack of dresses that are unique, with different kinds of patterns, colors, and designs. Usually, non-traditional prom dresses go here.
‘It’s more than the dress’
Behind-the-scenes of the newest episode of the West Linn Weekly Wakeup with guest Mia Harmon, senior.
A presidential welcome
Ryan Vandenbrink and Janina Kraetschmer, seniors, high-five the other Amazing Race teams after their win in the finale.
The final Amazing Race report with Janina Kraetschmer and Ryan Vandenbrink
Club members of BSU served food as people made their way down the line, choosing what they wanted on their plate.
Celebrating Black History Month
Beatrice Gilroy was elected ASB president after being the ASB vice president last year.
A new lion leader
Left to right: Emme Staten, Beatrice Gilroy, Josie Pothast, and Marin Jones, juniors, share a laugh. Each ran for different positions on ASB.
Future lion leaders
ASB presidential candidate, Jonathan Garcia, stands at the high school's fall carnival put on by ASB.
Editorial: Jonathan Garcia for ASB president
Olivia Rodrigo performs at the Moda Center on Aug. 10, 2024. Behind her a screen displays visuals and live footage, acting as a backdrop while she performs. Photo courtesy of Olivia Burden.
A new tune coming soon: recent and upcoming concerts near Portland
The end of an era
The end of an era
"14 Ways to Die" by Vincent Ralph was published in 2021.
Review: “14 Ways to Die”
Sister symphony. Myrtle Guarisco, senior, and Eloise Guarisco, sophomore, play ‘A duet in D Major.’ This performance took place around 30 minutes after their act with the Woodland Quintet 1, similarly to other students who had multiple performances throughout the day. “We just picked a piece that we both liked, and it wasn't too heavy,” Myrtle said. “The parts were pretty equal and there were some pretty harmonies. It was fun to play with my sister.”
Band and Orchestra programs holds annual Solo & Ensemble Festival
With "Tortured Poets Department," Taylor Swift will be adding 20 news songs to her discography.
Taylor Swift announces 11th studio album after winning her 13th Grammy award
‘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
"14 Ways to Die" by Vincent Ralph was published in 2021.
Review: “14 Ways to Die”
Spring into the season with some new reads.
April book recommendations to get you into the spring season
Book bans: Anti-racist books
Book bans: Anti-racist books
Ottessa Moshfegh's "My Year of Rest and Relaxation," which was published in 2018, has become a pillar of media in millennial fiction.
‘My Year of Rest and Relaxation’
Raising questions about conservative censorship trends in books and public education, banned lists with titles such as “The Hate U Give”, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, and “The Color Purple” now include “Maus” in their ranks.
Controversy over banning ‘Maus’, a graphic novel about the Holocaust
Joan Didion permanently changed the world of writing, reading, and journalism.
Remembering Joan Didion
Which Super Bowl Commercial are you?
Which Super Bowl Commercial are you?
"Priscilla" dives into the fame and complications of Priscilla and Elvis Presley's relationship.
Review: ‘Priscilla’
Tom Blyth, featured left, played Coriolanus Snow as Racheal Zeglar played Lucy Gray Baird, featured right.
“The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes” proves much darker than original trilogy
Trends and newsworthy events were plentiful in the summer of 2023. Movies were released, controversies arose, and the internet had something to say about it all.
Summer 2023: What happened and the internet’s response
45 years after its release, "Grease" has begun to lose some of its touch, with modern film critics such as Metacritic granting it a 7/10.
Does ‘Grease’ still hold up?
"Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" has a number of classic coming-of-age moments, including an uncomfortable lesson about the menstrual cycle.
Reconsidering a rating
Sister symphony. Myrtle Guarisco, senior, and Eloise Guarisco, sophomore, play ‘A duet in D Major.’ This performance took place around 30 minutes after their act with the Woodland Quintet 1, similarly to other students who had multiple performances throughout the day. “We just picked a piece that we both liked, and it wasn't too heavy,” Myrtle said. “The parts were pretty equal and there were some pretty harmonies. It was fun to play with my sister.”
Band and Orchestra programs holds annual Solo & Ensemble Festival
With "Tortured Poets Department," Taylor Swift will be adding 20 news songs to her discography.
Taylor Swift announces 11th studio album after winning her 13th Grammy award
Some have made the accusation that Ice Spice is an industry plant, meaning that she became successful from record labels using their money and connections to manufacture her fame.
Is Ice Spice a plant?
Through the 1990's, alternative rock was a male-dominated genre. However, Hole's "Love Through This" proved to be a feminist triumph.
1990s alternative album “Live Through This” by Hole turns 30
The 2024 Grammys was held on Feb. 4 at Crypto.com Arena.
Overview: 2024 Grammys
Hidden in the pit. In the school’s auditorium, hidden beneath the stage, is the pit for the pit orchestra. During the musical, this space is filled with instruments, and the black structure to the left is where Kevin Egan conducts from. “I sit on a tall podium so I can see down to the musicians but I can also see on the stage,” Egan said.
Keep pit up
‘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?’
During an improv night practice from December, Ava Neudeck, senior, practices with theater teacher Steve Beckingham.
Theater performers compete at the Thespian Regional Competition
Hidden in the pit. In the school’s auditorium, hidden beneath the stage, is the pit for the pit orchestra. During the musical, this space is filled with instruments, and the black structure to the left is where Kevin Egan conducts from. “I sit on a tall podium so I can see down to the musicians but I can also see on the stage,” Egan said.
Keep pit up
Sofia Gomez gets in character as the leading player of “Pippin.”
Stepping off the stage
In ancient Greek plays, characters’ identities were often displayed through masks. In this shortened version of Homer’s “The Odyssey,” dramatized by Gregory A. Falls and Kurt Beattie, and directed by Jesse Kohler, actors portrayed gods don unique masks. The mask pictured here portrays Hermes.
The short on ‘Shorts ‘23’
An e-bike resting against a guard rail outside of the Killer Burger near Salamo Road, just down the street from Rosemont Ridge Middle School.
School, scooters, Safeway, repeat
Genius is 10% inspiration and 90% attendance
Genius is 10% inspiration and 90% attendance
Buses and cars line up in the morning on Skyline before school starts.
Stuck again
The end of an era
The end of an era
Eden Pepos enjoys photography whenever she gets a chance.
Senior Column: Amidst the End
Iowa guard Caitlin Clark tore her way through the NCAA Womens Basketball Tournament, advancing to the title game while averaging a whopping 30 points per game.
The Caitlin Clark effect
"14 Ways to Die" by Vincent Ralph was published in 2021.
Review: “14 Ways to Die”
Through the 1990's, alternative rock was a male-dominated genre. However, Hole's "Love Through This" proved to be a feminist triumph.
1990s alternative album “Live Through This” by Hole turns 30
"Priscilla" dives into the fame and complications of Priscilla and Elvis Presley's relationship.
Review: ‘Priscilla’
Tom Blyth, featured left, played Coriolanus Snow as Racheal Zeglar played Lucy Gray Baird, featured right.
“The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes” proves much darker than original trilogy
Copies of “The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We” on the shelves at the Barnes and Noble at Clackamas Town Center.
Mitski explores a new sound on “The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We”
Travis Scott's recent album "Utopia" has a backstory that dates back to June. Travis Scott - Openair Frauenfeld 2019 02 by Frank Schwichtenberg is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED.
Travis Scott’s triumphant return with “Utopia” gives hip-hop a rejuvenation
All together. To finish off the concert, all choirs joined on stage to perform “Water Fountain,” a song inspired by the California drought in 2013. Several students were seated on the edge of the stage clapping and playing percussion instruments to add to the sound. The song involved shouting, singing, and clapping.
Tuning in: choir program holds their first concert of the school year
Lofty celebrations. After having two touchdowns called back due to flags on the play, Viggo Anderson, junior, shouts, “I got one,” as he scores with 1:28 left in the first half.
Touching down into the playoffs
What Halloween costume should you wear?
What Halloween costume should you wear?
Behind-the-scenes of the newest episode of the West Linn Weekly Wakeup with guest Mia Harmon, senior.
A presidential welcome
May Court seniors rehearse the princess bows for the ceremony.
2024 May Day preview
What is Career and Technical Education?
What is Career and Technical Education?
All together. To finish off the concert, all choirs joined on stage to perform “Water Fountain,” a song inspired by the California drought in 2013. Several students were seated on the edge of the stage clapping and playing percussion instruments to add to the sound. The song involved shouting, singing, and clapping.
Tuning in: choir program holds their first concert of the school year
Lofty celebrations. After having two touchdowns called back due to flags on the play, Viggo Anderson, junior, shouts, “I got one,” as he scores with 1:28 left in the first half.
Touching down into the playoffs
Getting to know the 2023-2024 dance team
Getting to know the 2023-2024 dance team
Rally up. Robert Shevlin, the womens tennis team coach, gathers the varsity and junior varsity players together to prepare for their first match of the season on March 13 against Lakeridge.
A look into the 2024 tennis season
At the bottom of the third inning, the Lions are still scoreless. Rowe stands at home plate, preparing to bat, while Vandenbrink stands off to the side as the next batter up. Despite having the bases loaded, the team was unable to score any runs. “It’s just the beginning of the season. We’re just going to be playing out best by June, [and] that’s where champions are,” Rowe said.
Baseball team falls in home opener
Bo Dickson, senior, and his second grade buddy view their final design. Dickson created the piece based on his buddy's ideas.
Ceramic students collaborates with Willamette Primary School
Behind-the-scenes of the newest episode of the West Linn Weekly Wakeup with guest Mia Harmon, senior.
A presidential welcome
May Court seniors rehearse the princess bows for the ceremony.
2024 May Day preview
Ryan Vandenbrink and Janina Kraetschmer, seniors, high-five the other Amazing Race teams after their win in the finale.
The final Amazing Race report with Janina Kraetschmer and Ryan Vandenbrink
"14 Ways to Die" by Vincent Ralph was published in 2021.
Review: “14 Ways to Die”
Some have made the accusation that Ice Spice is an industry plant, meaning that she became successful from record labels using their money and connections to manufacture her fame.
Is Ice Spice a plant?
Misha Rana, sophomore, performs her poem at the the annual Poetry Out Loud competition on Feb. 8.
A proud Poetry Out Loud
Behind-the-scenes of the newest episode of the West Linn Weekly Wakeup with guest Mia Harmon, senior.
A presidential welcome
May Court seniors rehearse the princess bows for the ceremony.
2024 May Day preview
Ryan Vandenbrink and Janina Kraetschmer, seniors, high-five the other Amazing Race teams after their win in the finale.
The final Amazing Race report with Janina Kraetschmer and Ryan Vandenbrink
College applications can be filled with questions, details, and goals.
College application season underway
The mens soccer team is currently ranked 9th in state according to OSAA.
Fall sports progress and predictions
Among other school changes, the new block schedule has come into effect this year.
Staying on schedule
What is Career and Technical Education?
What is Career and Technical Education?
Local church provides free breakfast to the student body
Local church provides free breakfast to the student body
West Linn's case of "Senioritis"
West Linn’s case of “Senioritis”
Getting to know more about the womens soccer seniors
Getting to know more about the womens soccer seniors
Getting to know more about the mens soccer defenders
Getting to know more about the mens soccer defenders
The 2023 football season preview
The 2023 football season preview
What Halloween costume should you wear?
What Halloween costume should you wear?
How well do you know the Pacific Northwest's nature?
How well do you know the Pacific Northwest’s nature?
Which Super Bowl Commercial are you?
Which Super Bowl Commercial are you?
Which wlhsNOW editor are you?
Which wlhsNOW editor are you?
Quiz: what edition of the Amplifier are you?
Quiz: what edition of the Amplifier are you?
Quiz: what outfit should you wear to prom?
Quiz: what outfit should you wear to prom?
Despite not being able to play in certain games, Liam Jones, freshman, was still involved with the Unified Basketball team by doing things such as helping man the scoreboard. Here, he is being introduced to the crowd before a game.
How unified are unified sports?
Breaking a record of that stood for over a decade, Hayden Williams-Downing holds the school's newest record for a womens javelin throw.
Hayden Williams-Downing is ahead of the field in womens javelin
Our school has five Standard Response Protocols (SRPs) for different emergency situations: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter. 
Editorial: Standard Response Protocols need updating
Tom Blyth, featured left, played Coriolanus Snow as Racheal Zeglar played Lucy Gray Baird, featured right.
“The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes” proves much darker than original trilogy
Unified Soccer is open to all who would like to participate and is always looking for more people to help out.
Unifying the community through soccer
Gretchen Bertram teaches the newly inaugurated Ethnic Studies class.
Learning through the lens of marginalized people in history
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 Teal Runkel
The Serenity Development

The Serenity Development

Teal Runkel
October 10, 2022

The clustered apartment buildings seemed to almost grow out of the forest hillside, reflecting a mass of green jungle in their windows. As I looked up, my eyes couldn’t find the top ledges of the buildings....

Load More Stories
Donate to wlhsNOW
$145
$500
Contributed
Our Goal

Menu
Activate Search
Home
Teal Runkel