Paige Rodriguez, Arts and Culture Editor
Speaking up for herself and others has never been an issue for Paige Rodriguez, senior. Now, she’s decided to add writing to the mix.
“I love the idea of telling real stories and using writing as a platform for current issues,” Rodriguez said. “It’s important to be educated about our world today.”
She became interested in journalistic writing after attending the “March for our Lives”, a protest in support of stronger gun regulations last year in downtown Portland.
“It was completely new to me, at first I was resistant to just telling a story without inserting my opinion, but I ended up really enjoying it. I realized I could combine two things I really love: writing and discussing important issues,” Rodriguez said.
Along with taking part in March for our Lives, Rodriguez has participated in several school walkouts as well as a meeting at Town Hall in Salem to discuss gun control.
“Current political issues are important to me,” Rodriguez said. “I’m always trying to make sure I’m supporting good causes and participating in events that vocalize issues that have been suppressed or ignored.”
As an aspiring journalist, she’s not only excited about covering stories at West Linn High School, but also becoming a columnist on the teen page of the Clackamas Times. She’ll be writing monthly content and hopes to use this opportunity to connect with local teens.
“Writing for the Clackamas Times will be a very new experience for me, but it’s exciting,” Rodriguez said. “I’m so lucky to start my exploration of journalism and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.”
![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.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3077-1200x900.jpg)
![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.”](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/8bookpose_philly-1200x800.jpg)
