The independent student media site of West Linn High School

wlhsNOW
Hanna Layton, senior, curtsies during her May Court introduction.
Princess for a day: My experience on the 2025 May Court
Mia Lange, senior, poses for her senior pictures.
Journey to journalism: My experience on a publication staff
Exchange students come from all around the world, such as Spain and Japan.
Exchanging culture
AP: Advanced Pressure
AP: Advanced Pressure
Sam Hatler, senior, visits the location where he meets his friends every day after school in his graduation cap and gown.
‘Hats off to you’
Using a drone, Luke Ewert photographs for Barstool as well as the football team
Barstool search
AP: Advanced Pressure
AP: Advanced Pressure
Sam Hatler, senior, visits the location where he meets his friends every day after school in his graduation cap and gown.
‘Hats off to you’
Green passes are used to allow students to visit other teachers during Life Class.
Got access?
The “Locura de Marzo” bracket in the porch 2D.
March Music Madness
Before the Winter Ball started, volunteers helped set up the decorations and additional supplies.
In and outside of school: What to look forward to in 2025
Finley Parker, freshman, participates in a practice round of his event, Parliamentary Debate, with his partner.
That’s debatable: Speech and Debate team prepares for upcoming competitions
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
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
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’
Before the Winter Ball started, volunteers helped set up the decorations and additional supplies.
In and outside of school: What to look forward to in 2025
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
The WLWV district building, where all in person community information meetings are held.
West Linn primary schools: Here to stay
Standing up on stage, Ben Miranda, sophomore, performs 'Bent to The Earth' by Blas Manuel de Luna, a poem about Mexican immigrant's deportation in the U.S.
Students voice fears over ICE
AP: Advanced Pressure
AP: Advanced Pressure
Emma Jean Sechrist, pet of Rowan Sechrist, senior, relaxes in the sunshine with her Timbers scarf.
Lending a paw
Now, signs prohibiting smoking specify the banned use of vapes as well.
No lighters, lots of lawsuits
One of the results of the bird flu spread has been a rise in grocery store egg prices.
Bird flu outbreak causes egg prices to rise
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
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
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
Standing up on stage, Ben Miranda, sophomore, performs 'Bent to The Earth' by Blas Manuel de Luna, a poem about Mexican immigrant's deportation in the U.S.
Students voice fears over ICE
Elon Musk has been a controversial figure in the last few months due to his antics surrounding the Trump administration and his companies.
Giving mixed signals
Following the capture of Damascus, statues commemorating the Assad Capital regime were demolished, depicted is the now destroyed equestrian statue of Bashar's brother, Bassed Al Assad.
Syria’s Assad regime is deposed
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
Cassidy Harding, Alexa Cornell, and Peter Daniels, all seniors, are all committed to continue their sports career at Eastern Oregon University. Graphic by Saige Heiden and Ethan Caba.
Just the beginning
Wyatt Smiley, senior is committed to play football at University of Texas at San Antonio.
Receiving for the roadrunners
High school sports teams typically get most of their money from fundraising rather than from the school.
The real cost of sports
Libby McNulty, senior, participates in a huddle as the team listens to their coach prepare for an upcoming game.
Senior surplus
Sophie Maher, junior, practices with the cheer team in the dance room.
Cheer all together
Sports talk. Students and teachers are hearing the recent talk of sports betting. Sean Shevlin, math teacher, is aware of discussions. “Oh yeah, I hear about it within students,” Shevlin said. Those who bet on sports learn the rules and strategies in games to raise their chance of winning.
From the sidelines to the spotlight
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
Max Bell, sophomore, Ryder Sprague, junior, and Nate Gusdorf, senior, wrestle in matches during their 2024-2025 season.
Reign in the ring: West Linn wrestling claims success at state
The dance team performs their routine at their friends and family night on March 18, days before the state competition
Chess to impress: dance team finishes fifth in state
Jordan Edgel, senior, skis down the hill at the state championships that took place from March 6-7
Womens ski team qualifies for state
The mens team took to the court first with a final score of 54—64 for the Pioneers. The women’s team followed and won their game 68—43. 
Season snapshot: Recapping the mens and womens basketball doubleheader
The 2025 snowboarding team has a roster of around 40 members.
Get to know the 2025 snowboard team
Swimmers get in position to start their race at the Tualatin meet on Dec. 19, 2024.
‘Here we are, undefeated’
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
This season, the womens varsity tennis team will be led by Megan Mandel, science teacher, and the junior varsity team will be coached by Dr. Ryan Jordan, psychology teacher.
Swinging with new coaches
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
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
Get to know the 2025 dance team
Get to know the 2025 dance 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
Getting to know the 2024 womens soccer team
Getting to know the 2024 womens soccer team
Each year, the Kaleidoscope cover is designed by students and introductions are included in the beginning pages.
A platform for youth voices
New on Netflix: 'The Electric State'
New on Netflix: ‘The Electric State’
Henry Hall-Brown, junior, plays the 4.3-octave marimba owned by the high school when practicing with fellow percussionists in the band room.
Low notes on loan
The movie's characters included a capybara, lemur, Golden Retriever, and a cat, all voiced with real animal sounds.
Go with the ‘Flow’
Saturday Night Live celebrates their 50th season by bringing back old and new cast members and musical guests with nostalgic performances
SNL 50: A celebration of the show’s history
Hansen Berrett, senior, stands in the middle of a circle of singers while preforming “Drag Me Down” by One Direction.
Fresh Pitch competes at the Rose City Sing-Off
"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
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’
Before the Winter Ball started, volunteers helped set up the decorations and additional supplies.
In and outside of school: What to look forward to in 2025
Co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were cast in the movie adaptation of “Wicked” in 2021, and are now in the midst of a global press tour. Their costumes were designed by Paul Tazewell.
One Short Day in the Emerald City: “Wicked” Review
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’
Henry Hall-Brown, junior, plays the 4.3-octave marimba owned by the high school when practicing with fellow percussionists in the band room.
Low notes on loan
“GNX” is Kendrick Lamar’s sixth studio album, released on Nov. 22, 2024.
‘GNX’ by Kendrick Lamar: An experimental love letter to the West Coast
Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR’s “Come and See Me” (PARTYNEXTDOOR 3) received 650,193,034 streams in 2016.
Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR album to release Feb. 14
A selection of songs rose to prominence in the Grammy nominations and Billboard music charts this year, becoming well-known favorites from this musical year.
2024 in music: top songs and albums from the year
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
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”
‘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
Hanna Layton, senior, curtsies during her May Court introduction.
Princess for a day: My experience on the 2025 May Court
Mia Lange, senior, poses for her senior pictures.
Journey to journalism: My experience on a publication staff
Johnny Novelo, sophomore, does homework in Life class.
Access days: are they useful?
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
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
Brody Olson, junior, if elected president, would sit behind this desk hosting the LiveROAR on a weekly basis.
Editorial: Brody Olson for ASB president
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
Saturday Night Live celebrates their 50th season by bringing back old and new cast members and musical guests with nostalgic performances
SNL 50: A celebration of the show’s history
“GNX” is Kendrick Lamar’s sixth studio album, released on Nov. 22, 2024.
‘GNX’ by Kendrick Lamar: An experimental love letter to the West Coast
Co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were cast in the movie adaptation of “Wicked” in 2021, and are now in the midst of a global press tour. Their costumes were designed by Paul Tazewell.
One Short Day in the Emerald City: “Wicked” Review
"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
Cassidy Harding, Alexa Cornell, and Peter Daniels, all seniors, are all committed to continue their sports career at Eastern Oregon University. Graphic by Saige Heiden and Ethan Caba.
Just the beginning
Dr. Ryan Jordan, AP Psychology teacher, performs the lobotomy in front of the class.
Learning lobotomies
Sophie Maher, junior, practices with the cheer team in the dance room.
Cheer all together
Inspiring the future. Michelle Bartolomei and Lilith Martin Cooper, grandma and granddaughter, come together to not only support one another but to show support to younger generations. “It matters because it's our future,” Bartolomei said.
Voices through the ages: A multigenerational stand against Elon Musk
Each group at ISEF's state competition gathers around and props up their poster boards to be judged.
The next generation of scientists
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?’
Cassidy Harding, Alexa Cornell, and Peter Daniels, all seniors, are all committed to continue their sports career at Eastern Oregon University. Graphic by Saige Heiden and Ethan Caba.
Just the beginning
Inspiring the future. Michelle Bartolomei and Lilith Martin Cooper, grandma and granddaughter, come together to not only support one another but to show support to younger generations. “It matters because it's our future,” Bartolomei said.
Voices through the ages: A multigenerational stand against Elon Musk
Taking in the scene. Scout, a rescue dog, takes a break after a game of fetch. He has spent the last 12 years with his owners who adopted him as a rescue when he was just under two years old. “Oppenlander is one of his favorite places to run around,” said his owner.
All park, no bite
Seasonally in-tune. Depending on the season and time of year, items may appeal to upcoming holidays. In December the store features Christmas ornaments, holiday pillows and blankets, stockings, wreaths, and more festive goods. In October, the business was met with over 350 kids during the Halloween trick-or-treating event the city put on. The seasons also influence the chocolates sold in-store, determining the treat's flavors, shapes, toppings, and more.
Working as a team: Local business sells items from multiple creators
Constructed in 1869, Lee Farms has been in the community for a while. The company has been expanding its farm and bringing in old and new customers. “I was here with my parents during my childhood and now I'm planning on taking my kids here,” a patron said.
Photo Archive: Lee Farms celebrates the holidays
Get to know the 2025 dance team
Get to know the 2025 dance team
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
Swimmers get in position to start their race at the Tualatin meet on Dec. 19, 2024.
‘Here we are, undefeated’
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
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
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
Dr. Ryan Jordan, AP Psychology teacher, performs the lobotomy in front of the class.
Learning lobotomies
Sophie Maher, junior, practices with the cheer team in the dance room.
Cheer all together
Each group at ISEF's state competition gathers around and props up their poster boards to be judged.
The next generation of scientists
In the yearbook class, students will get experiences with Adobe programs like InDesign.
Yearbook: Behind the scenes
The mens team took to the court first with a final score of 54—64 for the Pioneers. The women’s team followed and won their game 68—43. 
Season snapshot: Recapping the mens and womens basketball doubleheader
Track athletes participate in winter training on February 12, 2025.
Running the extra mile
“GNX” is Kendrick Lamar’s sixth studio album, released on Nov. 22, 2024.
‘GNX’ by Kendrick Lamar: An experimental love letter to the West Coast
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?
Sophie Maher, junior, practices with the cheer team in the dance room.
Cheer all together
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’
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
Reaching out. Christopher Lesh, student at Central Catholic High School, serves ice cream during the event on March 2, 2025, at the Portland waterfront. Central Catholic was just one of the schools that sent student volunteers out to cook, prepare, dish, and serve food. Interact club’s co-president Rachel Gerber, junior, plated the food during the event. “I like how direct the contact is,” Gerber said. “You’re there [and] you’re just doing something good. It’s simple, it’s easy, you can feel good about it.”
Interact Club works with volunteer organizations to feed those in need
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
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
The independent student media site of West Linn High School

wlhsNOW
The independent student media site of West Linn High School

wlhsNOW
Donate to wlhsNOW
$495
$500
Contributed
Our Goal

Menu
Activate Search
Home
opinion