The independent student media site of West Linn High School

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Michael Sugar is running to be the Representative of District 40 in the Oregon House of Representatives. In order to do so, he must win both the primary and general election. Photo courtesy of Michael Sugar.
Fighting for a sweeter future
The FEC is located behind Boeckman Creek Primary School in Wilsonville. It is in a separate building with a sign out front.
‘Making a real difference’
Gallery: May Day 2026
Gallery: May Day 2026
Thank-you cards made for the donors by the club members line across the table in the gym.
Why donate blood?
Many West Linn students opt to continue playing sports in college, and announce their commitments to the school on National Signing Day.
Step by step
Abigail Shin, freshman, holds her second place medal for Research Persuasive Writing and Speaking.
Scrub in for success
Unified Sports are one of the many ways the Wes Linn-Wilsonville School District implements their inclusive practices. In Unified Sports, students with learning challenges play alongside general education students.
‘Learning is social’
Finley Parker, sophomore, delivers his poem “When Death Comes” by Mary Oliver.
The choice to use your voice
Raising hands to see who eats peanut butter every day, AP Lit students participate in A Random Minute (ARM).
Up in ARMS
Students approaching high school graduation can often feel overwhelmed with decisions on where to go next.
Exploring alternative paths
The library event whiteboard has regular updates and displays colleges available for students to meet with.
Colleges visit West Linn
The College Board’s continued price increases put pressure on students' families' wallets.
AP exam fees increase: the cost of an education
Many West Linn students opt to continue playing sports in college, and announce their commitments to the school on National Signing Day.
Step by step
In the past year, the popularity of college admissions social media influencers has risen, increasing the pressure on many high school seniors applying to college.
The cut-throat reality of college applications
Class of 2024 seniors sit in the center of the Veteran's Memorial Colosseum as they announce the next person to speak in front of the class.
‘It’s our toast to them.’
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
On March 11, Victoria Meinig, director of the West Linn Chamber of Commerce, ame to West Linn, where she spoke to students at the women’s forum about her career and experience as a woman without a degree in the professional world.
A fearless forum
Multicultural Night lasted for three hours, and in that time held cultural performances, a fashion show, and booths with arts, crafts, food, games, and more.
Multicultural Night showcases student culture, talent across the district and community
A stacked tower made from food for this year's canned food drive by students during their ASB period.
Every can counts
Brody Olson, senior, sits down in the podcasting corner in preparation for the recording.
Leading the pride
The Unity Day assembly will take place during Life class on the football field, where students will fill the stands.
What to know about Unity Day 2025
The first to get his head shaved, Joe Kloucek, student engagement specialist, was one of seven teachers who volunteered for a chance to go bald.
‘Brave the shave’
Michael Sugar is running to be the Representative of District 40 in the Oregon House of Representatives. In order to do so, he must win both the primary and general election. Photo courtesy of Michael Sugar.
Fighting for a sweeter future
On the outside of Bolton Primary School, its brick walls are decorated with painted birds and trees. The school is closing because it has less than 240 students, and it is expected to save the district over $1 million.
Forging a plan
At most Oregon gas stations, prices are up to five dollars a gallon.
All gas, no breaks
Vandalism can be found in multiple different forms across each bathroom.
Vandal scandal
Today, fast fashion is the second most water-intensive industry following the agricultural industry and uses 10% of global carbon emissions.
The faster the fashion, the more it fails
Ahead of practice, the snowboarding team waits at the top of the mountain, preparing to go down.
Powder to patches
Student protestors gathered outside the front of the school along West A Street.
Loud and proud
The issue with gun violence coverage
The issue with gun violence coverage
Brooklyn Carr Heuer, senior, speaks to the attendees of the Sept. 5 walkout for school shooting awareness.
Editorial: the right to bear arms, not to open fire
Elise Row, senior, stands up in front of the crowd of students to talk about why they're doing what they're doing.
Students perform walkout against gun violence
Students created signs before the protest to display their message.
Students speak volumes on gun control
Preparation not reparation
Preparation not reparation
Michael Sugar is running to be the Representative of District 40 in the Oregon House of Representatives. In order to do so, he must win both the primary and general election. Photo courtesy of Michael Sugar.
Fighting for a sweeter future
On Oct. 1, the longest government shutdown in United States history began.
Shutting down
Henry Hall-Brown, senior, was a member of the anti-ICE protest that took place on Oct. 21, participating in chants and marching down towards the West Linn Central Village shopping center with the group.
Editorial: ICE has no place at schools
Protester outside the Portland ICE facility with a sign saying “Why do I need protective gear just to hold this sign?” In the background, graffiti reads “Molotovs melt ICE” Molotovs are an improvised incendiary fire weapon used typically by revolutionaries and during riots.
Conflict at the ICE building
‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ briefly taken off air in a controversial decision.
Cancelled?
Rory Bialostosky, mayor of West Linn, speaks to Multimedia Editor Garrett Arendt about his time as mayor.
A sit down with the mayor of West Linn
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.”
‘It’s not all about softball’
Below, the wlhsNOW staff hosted a media day for the dance team, featuring photos and portraits of athletes, as well as profiles about each person's history in the sport, and outlook on the season.
Get to know the 2025-26 dance team
The Buse family, a part of the West Linn womens basketball team, ended the 2026 season, alongside their team, as state champions.
Buse St. and beyond
Jaydon Puni, junior, listens to his coach's speech after a playoff loss.
New place, same game
Shown above is a student athlete's sports-focused social media profile, specifically for softball.
Your profile, their first impression
During halftime, seniors on both teams line up on halfcourt to receive their flowers.
Unified seniors’ last roar
Reese Jordan, senior, announces her commitment to Washington State University.
The day that commitments become reality
Unified soccer players Joanna Landazuri, junior, and Sophie Maher, senior, embrace one another with a high five after scoring a goal.
Unified soccer team plays Wilsonville High School for second home game of the year
Caden Klouda and Cade McVicker, both seniors, have both committed to play sports at Seattle University.
Reunited as Redhawks
Kennedy Toomer and Amelia Haj, both seniors, pose for a picture for media day.
Get to know the 2025 volleyball team
Teammates Payton Richard and Lorelai Dean, both sophomores, support each other's hard work after scoring a crucial point in the first set against Tualatin High School. With the nerves of the early stages of the game, both players focus on staying positive.
Volleyball beats Tualatin 3—0 on Sept. 30
At the start of the mens varity 5k run, the boys team lines up in preparation to run.
Cross country kicks it to the TRL/PAC crossover
The Buse family, a part of the West Linn womens basketball team, ended the 2026 season, alongside their team, as state champions.
Buse St. and beyond
Henry Lukas, Sienna Anderson, and Chris McCoy, all seniors, recently competed at state for snowboarding.
Get to know the 2026 snowboard team
Justin Mariscal, junior, wrestles his opponent during Wrestling's senior night.
The culture behind the class
Ahead of practice, the snowboarding team waits at the top of the mountain, preparing to go down.
Powder to patches
Carson Smiley, junior, shoots a contested layup as the Lions rally in the third quarter.
Mens basketball falls to Tualatin 83—69
As the seniors line up with their families, they wear cowboy hats to commemorate the life of Lucas Gray, a West Linn class of 2025 alumnus and wrestler who passed away in 2025.
Pinning Pioneers
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.”
‘It’s not all about softball’
Caden Klouda and Cade McVicker, both seniors, have both committed to play sports at Seattle University.
Reunited as Redhawks
There are a variety of golf courses that the mens golf team plays on.
Top-hole golfers Q&A
Libby McNulty, senior, participates in a huddle as the team listens to their coach prepare for an upcoming game.
Senior surplus
Finley Parker, freshman, zooms past during track practice.
Don’t compare, compete
Sloan Baker, sophomore, steps up to bat during the home opener against Sam Barlow High School.
Fighting for four: Baseball team aims for their fourth state title in a row
Below, the wlhsNOW staff hosted a media day for the dance team, featuring photos and portraits of athletes, as well as profiles about each person's history in the sport, and outlook on the season.
Get to know the 2025-26 dance team
Henry Lukas, Sienna Anderson, and Chris McCoy, all seniors, recently competed at state for snowboarding.
Get to know the 2026 snowboard team
Kennedy Toomer and Amelia Haj, both seniors, pose for a picture for media day.
Get to know the 2025 volleyball team
Tristan Peia and Zander Morris, both seniors, are captains for the mens soccer team.
Get to know the 2025 mens soccer team
The 2025 snowboarding team has a roster of around 40 members.
Get to know the 2025 snowboard team
Coach Brooke Cates leads the team again this year.
Get to know the 2025 womens basketball team
The Youth Music Project hosts open mics on the first Friday of every month. This gives teens the opportunity to show off their music skills in front of a live audience.
Bringing music to the youth
Shannon Wiancko, senior, has been releasing since her debut EP "Daisypicker" in 2024.
To the tune of her own guitar
Show above is a piece called “Skaters,” an acrylic painting by Karina Secchi, senior.
Drawn to creation
The 68th Grammy sevent was on Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Mishaps and backlash
The cast of Wicked included Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), Glinda (Ariana Grande), Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), and The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum).
Changed ‘For Good?”
The WLHS Improv Troupe in rehearsal practicing the game Objection.
Making it up as we go
The cast of Wicked included Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), Glinda (Ariana Grande), Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), and The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum).
Changed ‘For Good?”
The movie "Him" was released into theaters on Sept. 19.
A bloody win
‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ briefly taken off air in a controversial decision.
Cancelled?
In the movie, there's a blue tiger called Derpy, who delivers letters between Jinu and Rumi. Graphic by Macquarie Workman.
‘KPop Demon Hunters’: the film phenomenon of ‘25
New on Netflix: 'The Electric State'
New on Netflix: ‘The Electric State’
The movie's characters included a capybara, lemur, Golden Retriever, and a cat, all voiced with real animal sounds.
Go with the ‘Flow’
The Youth Music Project hosts open mics on the first Friday of every month. This gives teens the opportunity to show off their music skills in front of a live audience.
Bringing music to the youth
Shannon Wiancko, senior, has been releasing since her debut EP "Daisypicker" in 2024.
To the tune of her own guitar
The 68th Grammy sevent was on Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Mishaps and backlash
2025 Rapped
2025 Rapped
Peter Peterson, junior, along with the rest of the pit orchestra, rehearsed “Fiddler on the Roof” for the last time and for the first time in the pit, the day before opening night.
Pit perfect
"Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers" had many mixed opinions when first released.
Big stepping into retrospect
The WLHS Improv Troupe in rehearsal practicing the game Objection.
Making it up as we go
Peter Peterson, junior, along with the rest of the pit orchestra, rehearsed “Fiddler on the Roof” for the last time and for the first time in the pit, the day before opening night.
Pit perfect
The "Fiddler on the Roof" cast practices choreography.
Casting the curtain
An inside look of the auditorium during rehearsals for the upcoming fall play, Fiddler on the Roof.
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ follows a family’s journey through change
Outside of theater classes, the musical takes place in the fall. Shown above is a rehearsal for this year's musical, 'Fiddler On The Roof'.
Acting okay
Taran Keppeler, senior, has an external monologue to voice his emotions about his situation.
Serving the crowd: Theatre program presents “The Servant of Two Masters”
"Cinder" is the first book in a six-book series.
A futuristic approach
Sombr's new album "I barely knew her" released on Aug. 22, 2025.
Is Sombr’s ‘I barely knew her’ the album of the summer?
The movie "Him" was released into theaters on Sept. 19.
A bloody win
With 13 tracks, duo group Clipse is back with a new album after 15 years.
‘This is culturally inappropriate’: new Clipse album explores diverse themes
'Thunderbolts*' is a recent Marvel superhero movie that was released on May 2.
A thunderous debut
The 69th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is held in Switzerland and will take place from May 13 to May 17.
Top five Eurovision songs from 2025
Posters advertising Multicultural Night can be found around WLHS, and in other schools across the district.
An affinity for community
Clara Wood and Kira Sato, seniors, pose for a photo after receiving their dark blue bandana, the color that would represent them for the rest of the Race.
Anyone can be an amazing racer
School mascot solo appearance rallies spirit.
The slow fade of school assemblies
The first night of the convention, during our exploration of Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee.
Best coast, west coast: traveling across the country for my first journalism convention
Across the country, newspapers and news magazines have been under threat at both high school and college level.
How many First Amendment rights do we have left?
"Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers" had many mixed opinions when first released.
Big stepping into retrospect
Henry Hall-Brown, senior, was a member of the anti-ICE protest that took place on Oct. 21, participating in chants and marching down towards the West Linn Central Village shopping center with the group.
Editorial: ICE has no place at schools
Brooklyn Carr Heuer, senior, speaks to the attendees of the Sept. 5 walkout for school shooting awareness.
Editorial: the right to bear arms, not to open fire
During the 2024/2025 school year, students at West Linn High School were required to put their phones into the phone pockets at the start of the period, where they can retrieve them once the period ends.
Editorial: Oregon’s statewide phone ban poses troubles for students
Former May Day Queen, Emma McCurry, science teacher, capes this year's Queen, Ayla Gray.
Editorial: How outdated May Day traditions need to be changed
Brody Olson, junior, if elected president, would sit behind this desk hosting the LiveROAR on a weekly basis.
Editorial: Brody Olson for ASB president
Due to budget cuts, teachers in the district like Selena Huggins will be packing their things for the final time at the end of the school year.
Editorial: District’s broken budget affects teachers and students
Gallery: May Day 2026
Gallery: May Day 2026
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.”
‘It’s not all about softball’
Multicultural Night lasted for three hours, and in that time held cultural performances, a fashion show, and booths with arts, crafts, food, games, and more.
Multicultural Night showcases student culture, talent across the district and community
During halftime, seniors on both teams line up on halfcourt to receive their flowers.
Unified seniors’ last roar
Vandalism can be found in multiple different forms across each bathroom.
Vandal scandal
’Lions on three.’ Neal Glynn, health and Unified teacher and Unified basketball coach, leads a pregame huddle with the athletes. When it comes to coaching the team, Glynn has three main goals: “Lots of smiles, lots of hugs, and having a good time,” Glynn said.
West Linn Unified Basketball travels to Tigard for a mid-season game
Gallery: May Day 2026
Gallery: May Day 2026
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.”
‘It’s not all about softball’
Multicultural Night lasted for three hours, and in that time held cultural performances, a fashion show, and booths with arts, crafts, food, games, and more.
Multicultural Night showcases student culture, talent across the district and community
’Lions on three.’ Neal Glynn, health and Unified teacher and Unified basketball coach, leads a pregame huddle with the athletes. When it comes to coaching the team, Glynn has three main goals: “Lots of smiles, lots of hugs, and having a good time,” Glynn said.
West Linn Unified Basketball travels to Tigard for a mid-season game
Carson Smiley, junior, shoots a contested layup as the Lions rally in the third quarter.
Mens basketball falls to Tualatin 83—69
Henry Hall-Brown, senior, was a member of the anti-ICE protest that took place on Oct. 21, participating in chants and marching down towards the West Linn Central Village shopping center with the group.
Editorial: ICE has no place at schools
Vandalism can be found in multiple different forms across each bathroom.
Vandal scandal
Students approaching high school graduation can often feel overwhelmed with decisions on where to go next.
Exploring alternative paths
Rory Bialostosky, mayor of West Linn, speaks to Multimedia Editor Garrett Arendt about his time as mayor.
A sit down with the mayor of West Linn
The issue with gun violence coverage
The issue with gun violence coverage
The executive order has sparked multiple different opinions. Graphic by Garrett Arendt.
Phone debate
Brody Olson, senior, sits down in the podcasting corner in preparation for the recording.
Leading the pride
Rory Bialostosky, mayor of West Linn, speaks to Multimedia Editor Garrett Arendt about his time as mayor.
A sit down with the mayor of West Linn
The executive order has sparked multiple different opinions. Graphic by Garrett Arendt.
Phone debate
Brody Olson, senior, sits down in the podcasting corner in preparation for the recording.
Leading the pride
ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot that can summarize a Google search, provide edits to writing, solve math problems, and more. While it is available for free online, there is a tier list of pricing for more advanced versions of the service.
Can I use ChatGPT and still be ‘present for learning?’
No power, no problem. When a power outage occurs that leaves students in the dark, previously prepared outage kits with supplies can help students and their families to remain safe and informed.
Know what steps to take: How students can prepare for power outages in the metro area
Books such as Alice Oseman's "Heartstopper" series and "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee have been banned in places across the country.
Flying off the shelves: Banned books
During halftime, seniors on both teams line up on halfcourt to receive their flowers.
Unified seniors’ last roar
Students gathered in front of West Linn High School to start off the protest, where they would chant and raise their signs to the oncoming traffic.
Speaking up for change
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.
Painting for purpose
Jon Eagle, football head coach, puts on his headset in preparation for the game.
Coach Eagle’s farewell tour
The mens soccer team heads back to their starting position after scoring against Sherwood.
Mens soccer season preview
In D101, each desk includes special computes that allow students to animate.
Meet the Animation club
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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.”
‘It’s not all about softball’
Shannon Wiancko, senior, has been releasing since her debut EP "Daisypicker" in 2024.
To the tune of her own guitar
Multicultural Night lasted for three hours, and in that time held cultural performances, a fashion show, and booths with arts, crafts, food, games, and more.
Multicultural Night showcases student culture, talent across the district and community
Unified Sports are one of the many ways the Wes Linn-Wilsonville School District implements their inclusive practices. In Unified Sports, students with learning challenges play alongside general education students.
‘Learning is social’
Ahead of practice, the snowboarding team waits at the top of the mountain, preparing to go down.
Powder to patches
’Lions on three.’ Neal Glynn, health and Unified teacher and Unified basketball coach, leads a pregame huddle with the athletes. When it comes to coaching the team, Glynn has three main goals: “Lots of smiles, lots of hugs, and having a good time,” Glynn said.
West Linn Unified Basketball travels to Tigard for a mid-season game
The independent student media site of West Linn High School

wlhsNOW
The independent student media site of West Linn High School

wlhsNOW
Philip Chan

Philip Chan, Co-Editor in Chief

Amateur magician and wannabe improv comedian Philip Chan has been writing for The Amplifier since his freshman year. Now co-editor in chief, Chan firmly believes that the spelling “olykoek” is superior to AP Style’s preferred “doughnut,” but Chan will settle for “donut.”

All content by Philip Chan
Courtesy of Andrew Kilstrom.

District names new principal

Philip Chan, Co-Editor-in-Chief
August 14, 2018

Gregory Neuman will assume the position of principal for the next school year, replacing Kevin Mills. In an email sent out to families on Monday, the district announced Neuman had accepted the...

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[Photo] Never again

Philip Chan, Copy Editor
May 1, 2018

Munya Fashu-Kanu speaks about the intersection of racial prejudice and gun control. “Gun laws have always been racially biased,” Fashu-Kanu said. Afterward, he grabbed a guitar and led the crowd in...

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