Kyle Swartz, Videographer
To most, Kyle Swartz, senior, is just another student at West Linn. What most of those people don’t know, is that Swartz isn’t exactly what he seems. Behind those glasses and long hair, he has a dream to become a filmmaker and he has the skill set to make that dream come true.
With over 1000 subscribers on YouTube, a video premiering at the Clinton Street Theater, and an editing credit on IMDB, Kyle is ready to take on the big leagues and journalism. In addition to the private film classes he’s been taking on the weekends, his participation in West Linn’s broadcast team and his YouTube channel, he hopes to use journalism as a way to continue working on his cinematography, writing and editing skills. All this while at the same time making an impression in the community.
“I see journalism as a way for me to have even more practice with the skills I already have, making my filmmaking better.” Swartz said. When asked about why he wants to get into the filmmaking profession he responded, “When it comes down to it, I want to make movies that matter to me. Something film buffs and film aficionados, like myself, would enjoy watching. I don’t want to make the next Avengers movie. I want to make meaningful films; films that people will resonate with people.”
Even with his high hopes, he still acknowledges the highly competitive nature of the business. “I hate the idea of never being able to make my own movie, but I do realize that it’s a possibility,” Kyle states. “There aren’t all that many big budget movie directors. I could end up being an editor or a cinematographer for the rest of my life, but I’m not going to let that stop me from at least trying to make this dream of mine come true.”
![MORE THAN A GAME. With two diving catches in the outfield, the Lions showed up defensively, aiding in their victory over the Pacers. One catch was made by Atwood, and the other by McGraw. Throughout the game, the Lions knew that it wasn’t just about their victory today. “I think [playing for cancer] makes it bigger than just a game,” McGraw said. “Knowing that you have a bigger impact in this world than just who you are as one person.”](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/I70A1454-1-1200x800.jpg)
![Students in the National Art Honor Society work on the Mount Hood mural on the window of SouthLake Church. The students brought a variety of paints and mixed their own custom colors. “Instead of brushstrokes, we’re doing more dabbing, because it gives [a] better impression of tree foliage, rather than looking like actual brush strokes, because if we’re painting trees, we need it to look like trees,” Crawford said.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_2397-1200x900.jpg)
