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Falling in line. Dressed in pink, members of Thespians dance together in a line while lip-syncing to the song “What Is This Feeling” from the musical “Wicked.” Each year, the Thespians carry on the tradition of performing a musical number.
Clubs step into the limelight: Clubs Got Talent review
Going for a spin. Garvey creates a bowl and shows the different dynamics students can use when spinning the wheel. This is one of the ways Garvey instructs ceramic students on how to make their pieces. The mirror is used to see the clay from the opposite angle.
Hand-on creation: Dive into the ceramics classroom
Time to celebrate. The Associated Student Body (ASB) stood with the completed collection of canned foods from the campus food drive before donating to the West Linn Food Pantry. This school year, a new record of 6,817 cans were donated.
2024 Canned Food Drive: Celebrating a new record of 6,817 cans collected
After throwing javelin for West Linn High School for four years, Hayden Williams-Downing, senior, prepares for her transition from a lion to a duck at the University of Oregon.
Committing to duck life: Number one womens javelin competitor Hayden Williams-Downing commits to the University of Oregon
At the awards ceremony on Nov. 10, students celebrate and take photos as their peers stand up to receive their awards from the on-site writing competitions they competed in on Nov. 8.
Bringing home the green and gold: podcast on student journalism convention
All smiles. The group poses for a photo with last year’s book, “This is Our House,” along with their award for third Best in Show. Meikle, who was an Editor-in-Chief for the yearbook last year as well, holds both and stands at the center of the group. “That was an amazing feeling, going and grabbing the third place award,” Meikle said. “All of it paid off. I cried so much over that book, being able to receive [the award] was one of the highlights of my high school career, it was like the coolest thing ever.”
On a streak: Green and Gold yearbook places third in national convention
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’
Time to celebrate. The Associated Student Body (ASB) stood with the completed collection of canned foods from the campus food drive before donating to the West Linn Food Pantry. This school year, a new record of 6,817 cans were donated.
2024 Canned Food Drive: Celebrating a new record of 6,817 cans collected
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
New Seasons employees chant, "Safeway, Market of choice, are all better than New Seasons, shop there instead" while protesting in Sellwood.
New Seasons strike halts business during holiday season
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
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
West Linn football players gather around to lift the 2024/25 OSAA 6A State Championship title.
West Linn triumphs over Lake Oswego in football state championship
After throwing javelin for West Linn High School for four years, Hayden Williams-Downing, senior, prepares for her transition from a lion to a duck at the University of Oregon.
Committing to duck life: Number one womens javelin competitor Hayden Williams-Downing commits to the University of Oregon
Getting to know the 2024 mens cross country team
Getting to know the 2024 mens cross country team
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
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 2024 womens soccer team
Getting to know the 2024 womens soccer team
Getting to know the 2024 mens cross country team
Getting to know the 2024 mens cross country team
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
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
After throwing javelin for West Linn High School for four years, Hayden Williams-Downing, senior, prepares for her transition from a lion to a duck at the University of Oregon.
Committing to duck life: Number one womens javelin competitor Hayden Williams-Downing commits to the University of Oregon
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
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
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
Falling in line. Dressed in pink, members of Thespians dance together in a line while lip-syncing to the song “What Is This Feeling” from the musical “Wicked.” Each year, the Thespians carry on the tradition of performing a musical number.
Clubs step into the limelight: Clubs Got Talent review
Going for a spin. Garvey creates a bowl and shows the different dynamics students can use when spinning the wheel. This is one of the ways Garvey instructs ceramic students on how to make their pieces. The mirror is used to see the clay from the opposite angle.
Hand-on creation: Dive into the ceramics classroom
Time to celebrate. The Associated Student Body (ASB) stood with the completed collection of canned foods from the campus food drive before donating to the West Linn Food Pantry. This school year, a new record of 6,817 cans were donated.
2024 Canned Food Drive: Celebrating a new record of 6,817 cans collected
West Linn football players gather around to lift the 2024/25 OSAA 6A State Championship title.
West Linn triumphs over Lake Oswego in football state championship
At the awards ceremony on Nov. 10, students celebrate and take photos as their peers stand up to receive their awards from the on-site writing competitions they competed in on Nov. 8.
Bringing home the green and gold: podcast on student journalism convention
All smiles. The group poses for a photo with last year’s book, “This is Our House,” along with their award for third Best in Show. Meikle, who was an Editor-in-Chief for the yearbook last year as well, holds both and stands at the center of the group. “That was an amazing feeling, going and grabbing the third place award,” Meikle said. “All of it paid off. I cried so much over that book, being able to receive [the award] was one of the highlights of my high school career, it was like the coolest thing ever.”
On a streak: Green and Gold yearbook places third in national convention
Falling in line. Dressed in pink, members of Thespians dance together in a line while lip-syncing to the song “What Is This Feeling” from the musical “Wicked.” Each year, the Thespians carry on the tradition of performing a musical number.
Clubs step into the limelight: Clubs Got Talent review
Going for a spin. Garvey creates a bowl and shows the different dynamics students can use when spinning the wheel. This is one of the ways Garvey instructs ceramic students on how to make their pieces. The mirror is used to see the clay from the opposite angle.
Hand-on creation: Dive into the ceramics classroom
Time to celebrate. The Associated Student Body (ASB) stood with the completed collection of canned foods from the campus food drive before donating to the West Linn Food Pantry. This school year, a new record of 6,817 cans were donated.
2024 Canned Food Drive: Celebrating a new record of 6,817 cans collected
All smiles. The group poses for a photo with last year’s book, “This is Our House,” along with their award for third Best in Show. Meikle, who was an Editor-in-Chief for the yearbook last year as well, holds both and stands at the center of the group. “That was an amazing feeling, going and grabbing the third place award,” Meikle said. “All of it paid off. I cried so much over that book, being able to receive [the award] was one of the highlights of my high school career, it was like the coolest thing ever.”
On a streak: Green and Gold yearbook places third in national convention
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
West Linn football players gather around to lift the 2024/25 OSAA 6A State Championship title.
West Linn triumphs over Lake Oswego in football state championship
At the awards ceremony on Nov. 10, students celebrate and take photos as their peers stand up to receive their awards from the on-site writing competitions they competed in on Nov. 8.
Bringing home the green and gold: podcast on student journalism convention
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”
West Linn football players gather around to lift the 2024/25 OSAA 6A State Championship title.
West Linn triumphs over Lake Oswego in football state championship
At the awards ceremony on Nov. 10, students celebrate and take photos as their peers stand up to receive their awards from the on-site writing competitions they competed in on Nov. 8.
Bringing home the green and gold: podcast on student journalism convention
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
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?
After throwing javelin for West Linn High School for four years, Hayden Williams-Downing, senior, prepares for her transition from a lion to a duck at the University of Oregon.
Committing to duck life: Number one womens javelin competitor Hayden Williams-Downing commits to the University of Oregon
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
The independent student media site of West Linn High School

wlhsNOW
The independent student media site of West Linn High School

wlhsNOW
Joseph Murphy

Joseph Murphy, Web Editor-in-Chief

In addition to being the Web Editor-in-Chief, Joseph Murphy, senior, also enjoys running with the cross country team. Journalism has proved to be Murphy’s main interest due to the fun he has writing about sports and photographing sports games. In the future, Murphy hopes to be a photojournalist for a professional sports team.

All content by Joseph Murphy
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

Joseph Murphy, Web Editor-in-Chief
April 30, 2024

Maintaining their second in state Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) ranking, the softball team defeated the 12th ranked Lakeridge Pacers 10—0 on April 29. However, this wasn’t any other...

Getting to know the 2023-2024 dance team

Getting to know the 2023-2024 dance team

Joseph Murphy, Garrett Arendt, Lauren Sexton, Angelina Handris, Rachel Han, Autumn Schmidlin, Finn Howell, Edie Himmer, Lina Corona, and Clara Wood
April 2, 2024

Breaking a record of that stood for over a decade, Hayden Williams-Downing holds the school's newest record for a womens javelin throw.

[Photo] Hayden Williams-Downing is ahead of the field in womens javelin

Rachel Han, Print Editor-in-Chief
March 14, 2024

Breaking a record of that stood for over a decade, Hayden Williams-Downing holds the school's newest record for a womens javelin throw.

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

Joseph Murphy, Web Editor-in-Chief
February 29, 2024

Both the mens and womens basketball teams are headed to Southridge High School for the second round of the 6A Oregon Sports and Activities Association (OSAA) state playoffs.  On Feb. 27, the 18th seed...

Max Juhala and Nick DiGuilio, both seniors, high five each other early in the first quarter.

[Photo] Mens basketball team wins 75—65 on senior night to close out regular season

Claire Lenarduzzi, Staff Reporter
February 26, 2024

Prior to the game, seniors from the basketball and cheer team gathered on the center court with their families.

Which Super Bowl Commercial are you?

Which Super Bowl Commercial are you?

Finn Howell, Lucy Forest, Georgia Rozes, Olivia Wang, and Joseph Murphy
February 23, 2024

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

Joseph Murphy, Web Editor-in-Chief
February 19, 2024

The wrestling team has become the district champions. With a score of 419.5 points, the wrestling team placed first in team score as second place, the Oregon City Pioneers, scored 286 points. Held at...

Freshmen Kaylor Buse and Pat Vialva Jr. have stepped in as varsity starters for their teams.

Fresh in the spotlight

Joseph Murphy, Web Editor-in-Chief
February 14, 2024

Freshmen are rookies— players who are in their first year at a given level. All professional leagues have a dedicated Rookie of the Year Award to recognize the rookies’ performance over the course...

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[Photo] Freshman favorites: Kaylor Buse and Pat Vialva Jr.

February 12, 2024

On Sept. 15, 2023, the cheer team performed at a football halftime show. The cheer team won the 6A OSAA Large Traditional State Championship on Feb. 10.

[Photo] Cheer team wins first ever state championship

Finn Howell, Coverage Editor
February 12, 2024

On Sept. 15, 2023, the cheer team performed at a football halftime show. The cheer team won the 6A OSAA Large Traditional State Championship on Feb. 10.

Gallery: Womens basketball media day

Gallery: Womens basketball media day

Joseph Murphy and Autumn Schmidlin
December 13, 2023

On a given Flex Life class period, StudentVUE provides information on what Flex class you are going to.

The rundown on Flex scheduling

Joseph Murphy, Web Editor-in-Chief
December 11, 2023

If there is a test to make up, a career to learn about, or a needed conversation with a particular teacher, don’t be afraid to utilize the new Flex scheduling, also known as “access” periods.  During...

Bernice Wayland, senior, is a captain on the womens varsity soccer team and was recognized as the Three Rivers League Player of the Year.

[Photo] Bernice Wayland wins Three Rivers League Player of the Year award

Nicholas Hull, Staff Reporter
November 6, 2023

Bernice Wayland, senior, is a captain on the womens varsity soccer team and was recognized as the Three Rivers League Player of the Year.

Every AP exam has a fee that's $89. If the student doesn't pay the money in time, there will be an additional $40 fee.

[Photo] The problem with the AP exam registration fees

Lucy Forest, Staff Reporter
October 26, 2023

Every AP exam has a fee that's $89. If the student doesn't pay the money in time, there will be an additional $40 fee.

Stampede. Competitors from different schools try to gain a distant advantage from one another, before being taken down by the mud.

[Photo] The cross country teams gear up for districts

Claire Lenarduzzi, Staff Reporter
October 24, 2023

Gaining ground. Ryan Lippert, junior, runs toward the front of the competing varsity athletes while on solid terrain. He would later go on to run a time of 17:50 and win first place for the high school...

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[Photo] Getting to know more about the womens soccer seniors

Molly Lundstrom and Kaelyn Jones
October 23, 2023

Last night, Sofia Gomez and Jonathan Garcia were named Homecoming royalty.

Sofia Gomez and Jonathan Garcia named Homecoming royalty

Joseph Murphy, Web Editor-in-Chief
October 6, 2023

At last night’s football game, the Homecoming royalty was announced. Throughout the past week, seniors were able to vote on a senior Homecoming court, which was announced at the assembly on Wednesday.  The...

For the first time ever, West Linn High School is offering an astronomy class.

Astronomy class aiming for the stars

Joseph Murphy, Web Editor-in-Chief
October 5, 2023

Astronomy is a frontier science. In contrast to sciences that consist of models and law, frontier sciences rely on hypotheses and models that have yet to be widely accepted. This year, the school is...

Getting to know more about the mens soccer defenders

Getting to know more about the mens soccer defenders

Kaelyn Jones, Molly Lundstrom, and Joseph Murphy
October 5, 2023

Three Rivers League (TRL) games have begun. On October 2, the mens varsity soccer team opened their TRL schedule with a 6-1 win over the Oregon City Pioneers.  This win helped extend their unbeaten...

To get ready for the Three Rivers League (TRL) division games to end the season, wlhsNOW staff hosted a womens soccer media day, which included portraits in the photo studio and individual interviews with the players, not to mention home opener photos. Scroll below to see each starter’s profile, which explains each starters’ backstory and individual outlook on the rest of the season.

Getting to know the 2023 womens soccer team

Joseph Murphy, Rachel Han, Finn Howell, Eden Pepos, M Davis, Edie Himmer, and Autumn Schmidlin
September 29, 2023

Kate Cheldelin dribbles past the defender in a game versus Beaverton on Sept. 7.

[Photo] Goals for gold

September 22, 2023

Kate Cheldelin dribbles past the defender in a game versus Beaverton on Sept. 7.

To give a complete overview of the season, wlhsNOW staff hosted a mens soccer media day, which included portraits in the photo studio and individual interviews with the players. Scroll below to see each player’s profile, which explains each players’ backstory and individual outlook on the season.

Getting to know the 2023 mens soccer team

Joseph Murphy, Finn Howell, Eden Pepos, Preston Weller, Lauren Sexton, Rachel Han, Edie Himmer, Garrett Arendt, and Autumn Schmidlin
September 21, 2023

Fourteen players from last year’s roster are returning. After finishing last year losing in the first round, the mens soccer team believes continuity is the key to success. Miles Miller, junior, is a...

The 2023 football season preview

Joseph Murphy and Kaelyn Jones
August 30, 2023

Baseball team goes back-to-back

Baseball team goes back-to-back

Joseph Murphy, Photography Editor
June 6, 2023

The baseball team was going into the last inning up 2—0. Up to that point, Drake Gabel, senior, had allowed zero runs against the number two ranked Jesuit Crusaders. Though West Linn was ranked number...

The women's lacrosse team has seven graduating seniors. All graduates were starters.

[Photo] Lacrosse starters to fill senior voids

Eden Pepos, Features Editor
June 5, 2023

The women's lacrosse team has seven graduating seniors. All graduates were starters.

In the dugout, Gomez embraces Rylee Gaustad, junior, after the celebration. The softball team played the Lakeridge Pacers at 6:45 p.m. and lost 7—5.

Softball team loses to Lakeridge on senior night

Joseph Murphy, Photography Editor
May 15, 2023

Coming off back-to-back losses in two straight days, the softball team wasn’t able to shake off the losing streak on May 12. Though, this wasn’t any other game— this was senior night. Jenna Wheeler,...

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Joseph Murphy