17-18 The Whirlwind - Issue 6

NEW SCHOOL

What will be different with a reconstructed school

STRIVING FOR THE

SKY

GRAD PLANS

College should not be viewed as the only acceptable future

THIS SUMMER

A Whirlwind guide to keeping summer 2018 exciting

ALBANY WEST

A NEW START

THINGS ARE BEGINNING TO CHANGE all around us: sports are ending, the weather is changing, and the school year is coming to a close. Seniors are spending their final days here at West, and a new chapter of their lives is about to begin. For Jayce and Don Lien, an era of playing baseball together is ending. West Albany is about to undergo construction--the start of a three year process to rebuild our school. The Albany school district is getting a new superintendent. The Whirlwind is saying goodbye to its seniors and is welcoming in a new slate of editors. Many doors are closing, but that doesn’t mean new doors aren’t opening; so although seniors may be leaving, families may be aging, and West may be changing, there are many new opportunities for the Bulldog family. This Whirlwind issue is dedicated to the class of 2018. May you do great things, and remember: once a bulldog, always a bulldog.

CORRECTIONS

LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

MEGAN CARROLL BRAXTON REECE

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

Braxton Reece

Megan Carroll

MANAGING EDITORS

Hayley-Mae Harlan

Patrick Spence

COPY EDITORS

Emily Haarstad

Mattea Hellman

BUSINESS MANAGER

Jordyn Lockwood

ART DIRECTOR

Maggie Bedrin

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Kaden Strametz

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Alizah Bueno NEWS

Malachi Murphy

OPINION

Jonathan Perkins

SPORTS

Jordan Andreas

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Jackie LaPlante STAFF

Abigail Winter

Brianna Graunitz

Chase LaPerle

Curtis Allen

Geneva Mellison

Hailey James

Jaden Rodriguez

Kailee Young

Kane Weekly

Kate Looney

Ruth Nash

Sydney Morgan

Vada Shelby

Will Randall

ADVISER

Michelle Balmeo

CONTACT

wahswhirlwind@gmail.com

HIRLWI

In “My Best Art” recurring feature (page 32) of the April issue, the people featured are (from left to right) senior Sam Grove, sophomore Jaxon Shufelberger, and senior Morgan Bell.

In “Lost in the Cheese” (page 30) of the April issue, the Cheezers Pleazers working days were incorrect. They are open the last blue day of every week.

In “Voicing a need for change” (page 9) of the April issue, freshman Dezmond Remington’s name was misspelled.

The Whirlwind would like to thank to following 2017-2018 sponsors

BULLDOG LEVEL

Andrew Bergt Anonymous

B and B Speed Shop

Costain Family

No D-Lay Shoe Shop

O’Bryan Family

Tom and Sherry Gaulke

Tradewinds Transportation

GOLD LEVEL

Bruce Madsen

Margie Graves

Mike & Terri Shelby

Patrick Moser

Chris and Jennifer Young

BLUE LEVEL

Chris & Donna Cox

Chris Hains

Garrett Brittan Lack

Heather & Kevin Kenagy

Jacqueline Kahler

Jennifer Bornheimer

Kyle Hall

Matt Hellman

Monica Schroder

Nancy Cottle

Steve & Brenda Searles

Steve Ockerman

The Cutting Room

In just a few short years West Albany will have a brand new addition with impressive facilities for the next generation of students

REMEMBERING F HALL

F HALL, STRETCHING OUT from the rest of West Albany, is home of our English and foreign language teachers.

Krissy Rasmussen, who teaches at the end of F hall, will be losing her classroom during the construction, along with English teachers Blain Willard and Chris Martin, Spanish teacher Drew Small, French teacher Jacqueline Kahler and Study Skills teacher Jane Marshall. Instead, Ras said she may have a moving cart, a classroom schedule, and new spaces to get used to. She described the experience as being a “nomad”, having done it as a teacher before working at West Albany. Her students will now have to be equipped with classroom schedules, tracking down which room she will be in, as capacity limitations may force her to move from period to period.

Rasmussen has only had her classroom for a year, as she was previously located in B-8, and comments, “So many people are moving through [B hall], where here [F hall], all I worry about is kids leaving those doors open.”

Prep periods, useful time for teachers to get organized and ready for their next class, will be difficult for a wanderer without a room of her own, as Rasmussen knows. She says there is uncertainty with her prep periods, but that she might just use other teachers’ rooms if necessary. However, as the new building will include teachers offices, and according to Susie Orsborn if the offices are completed in good time Rasmussen’s nomadship could have an early end.

Nevertheless, Rasmussen has trust in the future, noting even though “like every transition, it’s going to be hard,” she knows there is good in store.

BY Patrick Spence and Malachi Murphy

Y THE TIME THE CLASS of 2021 is graduating, their school days will look very different than ours. After entering the school through a flashy new entrance where the far side of the tennis courts are now, there will be a new glass-enclosed commons space. Stretching between the far end of F hall and the back side of the gym, the two-story commons will provide a pleasant location to study, socialize, and have lunch. Essentially forming a new hall beyond C hall, this space will create another courtyard between C hall, the gym, and F hall. On the field side of the commons, a new state-of-the-art auditorium will rise: where plays, concerts, and other events will be regularly staged.

WHAT EXACTLY IS BEING BUILT?

Phase one will build the commons and new entrance. However, it will also include, according to Greater Albany Public School District business director Russ Allen, “several new CTE classrooms; relocated band, choir, and performance facilities, an auxiliary gym, and a new cafeteria.” Essentially, the new extension will include all non-academic facilities. Allen noted, “The cafeteria and band rooms will be repurposed.”

WHAT WILL THE NEW SCHOOL OFFER?

According to business director Allen, the current reconstruction project is intended to “provide better facilities for current offerings, rather than to expand classes.”

The focus will be on creating better spaces in order

JACKIE LAPLANTE

to improve the extent of what the school already offers. However, the new space will be built for Career and Technical Education, or CTE, classes, which receive state funding from ballot measure 98. Therefore, more classes will be implemented for these fields.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING CONSTRUCTION NEXT YEAR?

There will not be many changes to our daily lives as the building is being constructed. Football is having their team room removed, but it will be replaced on the side of the gym. F hall will be torn down, but space will be created for teachers losing their rooms.

There will be almost no impact to current sophomores through seniors, however the class of 2021 should be able to access all phase one facilities their senior year. There will also be no portable classrooms for the teachers of F hall, since each one costs $27,450.

Sudents should experience their normal school days with minimal disruption.

WHAT PARTS OF THE EXISTING BUILDING ARE CHANGING?

The southern area of our campus, including the last seven rooms of F hall, the grass fields directly behind our school, and the tennis courts will all be changed.

The portion of F hall being removed will link through a new hallway to the new commons, servinag as a gateway between old and new. The JV fields will be part of our new student parking lot and drop off zone, with a new bus drop off coming in the area where the tennis courts will be removed, as well as more parking space.

JUNE SEPT 2020 2020

WHAT CONSTRUCTION MIGHT HAPPEN FURTHER ON?

Ultimately, plans exist to fully replace West Albany. No specific renderings exist of it at this time, but speculative architectural plans show new wings stretching toward Memorial Middle School from the new commons. This space will offer nice, new classrooms to accommodate a growing West Albany, likely standing on two stories. Nevertheless, a new bond measure, or a renewal of the current measure when it expires, will have to be voted on to provide tax revenue for further construction, and the school district prefers to wait at least 10 years between bond measures. The measure funding the current reconstruction passed last year, and is also funding a new elementary school, a rebuilt Oak Grove, and over 30 more district-wide building improvements.

6.

7.

8.

11.

12. FOOTBALL FIELD

Superintendent on leave

GAPS superintendent currently under investigation for undisclosed reasons that lead the community to wonder about the future

BY Alizah Bueno

IN MARCH, the Greater Albany School Board began investigating allegations against Superintendent Jim Golden. As the 2017-18 school year is coming to a close, the board is trying to solve this issue as efficiently as possible.

Golden was placed on paid leave at the start of the investigation. Golden was working with the Sisters district before coming to the Greater Albany School District in 2015.The details of the investigation are being conducted privately by a third party, and no legal suit has been filed against Golden. However, the board did release information to the public stating that the investigation has nothing to do with students.

School Board Vice Chair Jennifer Ward stated Assistant Superintendent Tonja Everest has assumed the role of acting superintendent in place of Golden. However, Everest has already accepted a job working for the Linn-Benton-Lincoln educational service district starting next year, and would not be able to stay on as full superintendent even if the opportunity arose to do so. GAPS Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Jim Haggart stated,“[We are] looking to hire a new assistant superintendent [to replace Everest].”

If Golden leaves the school district permanently, the school board will hire an interim superintendent until a suitable permanent superintendent is found. Usually, the search process for a new superintendent lasts months, so the interim superintendent would serve during this time.

The school board, an elected body of five representatives, has discretion in hiring a new superintendent. Board members would analyze qualifications of superintendent candidates before making their hiring decision.

All of those steps may not take place, however, since investigators may recommend

he be reinstated to his job, which the Board could do within the next few months.

When asked what would be best for our community, Ward said, “The best thing to happen in the district would be to have a

“The best thing to happen in the district would be to have a superintendent that they can have faith in.”

JENNIFER WARD SCHOOL BOARD VICE CHAIR

superintendent that they can have faith in.” That might be Golden, and it might not.

The details of the investigation will remain confidential for now, as Golden has a right to privacy. When the final decision is being made on July 12, the board will hold a public meeting for the community.

BY Sydney Morgan and Braxton Reece

Controversy brews between staff and students on the junior-senior water gun game, “Mafia”

MAFIA, a popular game played by juniors and seniors, is planned to last nine days, but should it last that long?

Last year, the controversial student-run game was cancelled early. Junior Conner Rice, a moderator of the game, explained, “The admin and police talk pretty frequently during mafia week, and last year we had two, I think it was, reckless driving [tickets]... Orsborn got notified and wanted us to shut it down.”

This year, administrators worry similar dangers will persist. “I know the story last year where somebody got a reckless driving ticket and it was huge, like $700, and so from that aspect, I don’t think it’s safe,” Assistant Principal Rich Engel said. “If you are racing around town in cars, or hiding under cars, and they don’t know you’re there, they could run over you.”

The current moderators of the game are aware of the administration’s concerns. Rice explains that the rules they did this year are much more detailed. “The biggest issue was driving and people were being chased...Mafia is supposed to be fun don’t make it anything more than that, [and] no black guns that’s just stupid, keep it on foot, don’t chase people in cars.”

Assistant Principal Jessica

beyond the safety of driving, sug - gesting, “Just be careful because as Officer Mitchell said, even though there is disclaimer at the bottom, ultimately they are liable if something were to happen, because they are organizing the event... I wish that the community would know that this is not school spon sored.”

and I just don’t want to see it come to that.” Engel clarified he “[thinks] we should get rid of it, but you’re doing it on your own time out of school… Hopefully everyone makes good choices, but it would eliminate the opportunity to make bad choices if it wasn’t being played any longer.”

This year, for the first time players were required to pay $3 each to play. The winning team received a prize of $500 and the remaining $100 went to the moderators. Critics have expressed concerns about underage gambling, but Rice believes the game would not fall into that category.

“We thought people would be more into the game because they put money into the game,” Rice said, “and there’s a bigger prize than just a moral victory, as well as it gives us money to make the game better.”

Players this year have done well to remember Engel’s words, and “stress the importance of being safe, not only for the person

76% think it’s more fun

24% think mafia is more dangerous

The disclaim er, found at the bottom of the rulebook posted on the official mafia twitter, states: “Disclaimer: We, the mod erators of West Albany Mafia, are not liable for any human or property dam age that may oc cur playing this game. Any inju ries to persons or properties are the responsibility of the persons directly involved in said incidents. By participat ing you agree to this.”

The concerns of administra tion extend beyond the legality liability, however, our admin istrators voiced their primary concerns with the game.: Smith said “My fear is that somebody is going to get in a lot of legal trouble, or get seriously injured,

MAGGIE BEDRIN

September

Year in Review

National and school events that occured this year

BY Kaden Strametz

Sept.3

Hurricane Harvey devastated Southeast Texas, becoming the second most damaging storm in American history, causing $125 billion in damage.

Sept.14

June Morris took her team of cross country racers to cape kiwanda describing it as, “truly impressive seeing our runners attack the dune and struggle to the top!”

Feb.14

Seventeen students were killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School by a former student. This event sparked a national outburst, making people call for stricter gun laws.

Feb.24

Black Light, a dance that made you able you glow in the darkest of places

Jan.13

A false missile alert was issued in Hawaii due to human error.

March 13

Stephen Hawking, a prolific physicist best known for his teachings of the universe, died at the age of 76.

Sept.30

In apocalyptic themed dance, students dressed as a survivor or a zombie.

Dec.15

Winter talent showcases students’ talents. The full performance is available on YouTube.

March 14

Students around the country walked out of their schools for 17 minutes to promote stricter gun laws and remember the 17 victims of the Parkland shooting.

Oct.24

After 10 years out of production, the The Whirlwind, a West Albany student news pulication returns

Dec.9

Winter formal, a formal dance that freshman Landri Sassaman describes as “fun [and] very packed in one spot and it was very hot [on the dance floor] until you went outside, [and] the music was loud...You could even hear it outside.”

May 18

Three students brought a stolen gun to Lebanon High school. West albany high school Senior Alex Meyer describes their thoughts, “I was scared...People think oh this won’t ever happen to us but the reality is it can happen to anyone anywhere.”

Morgan Bell

Matt Boase

Morgan Bell

Jakob Jones

June Morris

May

Kaden Strametz

Kaden Strametz

United States Department of Defense

Dmartin969 via wikimedia commons

Coconut Creek Police Department

Intel Free Press via CCSA 2.0

Lorie Shaull via CC-SA 2.0

Nikki Chesnut

Riley Vaughn Jordan Taylor

Nick Slover

Kirsten Flinchbaugh

Taylor Pokorney

Anissa Howell

Kylynn Rodriguez

Kassie Worley

Cindy Wong

Brandon Dodd Trenton Morris

Allie Jenks

Tyler Clardy

Barbara Potter

Marci Vaugh

Anna Large

Paris Barton Katie Guaschin

Athena Boysen

Morgan Bell Colleen Nelson

Anissa Howell

Morgan Bell

Troutman Photography

A LEAP OF FAITH

Long-time coach and dance teacher moves toward her future

DANCE TEACHER

Lisa Bacus has been the Hi-Stepper coach at West Albany for 11 years, but this year will be her last. Haven Barrett, WAHS alumnus and former hi-stepper, will be the new coach next year. Bacus is taking the time to explore a new chapter in her life by attending graduate school at Oregon State University. She says she will be pursuing her Masters in High School Counseling.

“Coaching has taught me how to be a better person, mother, listener, and communicator, among other things,” Bacus said.”It’s crazy how important leading by example is.”

Bacus said moving on from coaching was an extremely difficult decision, but she thinks it is in her best interest to further her career and life. Bacus said she wants nothing but the best for the team next year, and she hopes to be a good resource for the new coach when needed.

“I am excited to grow professionally and explore new opportunities for myself and my family,” she said.

Saying goodbye

A look inside a friend group that will be separating for the first time, and what moving on looks like for them

BY Vada Shelby

SENIORS KATIE

HANSEN

and Jessica Bradley have been friends since freshman year, with some of the memories in their tight-knit friend group even tracing back to elementary school. Graduation is right around the corner, and the members of this group are preparing to go their separate ways after leaving the halls of West. Hansen will be going to Idaho for college, and Bradley, San Diego. For a friend group as close as theirs, leaving Albany will mean more than moving out of a parent’s house. However, the group has plans to spend all their time together this summer before departure, and they hope to visit each other whenever possible. Hansen also mentioned how the availability of social media has made separation a lot less scary; she can see what her friends are talking about with just a few taps on her phone. She said she will miss “the kids in class that make you laugh even if you don’t know them.”

Hansen knows moving on is scary, but she thinks her friend group can handle it. “Everyone is kind of doing their own things, which is good, instead of planning around each other,” Hansen said. ”The ‘lasts’ just seem more real. Football games, dances, and pep assemblies are all done for us.”

What I’ll miss...

BY: Kane Weekly

Bradley used to live in New Zealand, but once she got to the United States, she met her first friend, which she ended up carrying to high school. Bradley recalls meeting Senior Bridgette Watte in third grade and slowly meeting the rest of the group throughout her school years.

“I will miss the fun high school stuff the most, like pep assemblies and sports games,” Bradley said. Bradley and Hansen both said they were going to miss seeing people they wouldn’t really talk to outside of class. The way Hansen put it, “There are some people you see in class and really get along with, but you aren’t connected outside of that class. I know the next time I see them will be at our class reunion, if they bother to show up. That’s what makes me sad.”

Bradley says she has coped with the end of high school by accepting each “big moment” as the last. For her, these big moments included home football games, assemblies, and school dances. She also has friends from the Lacrosse team and drumline that aren’t seniors, and she says not seeing them at graduation will be sad. Overall, the girls think that social media and dedication to lifelong friendships will keep them connected while they move on in life.

Seniors reflect back on their four years at WAHS and what they will miss, what they remember, what they have laerned, and what they wish they had known

“I’ll miss the school spirit of our senior class. From as little as cheering at pep assemblies to being able to watch and support our peers at football games. Those moments were the ones I’ll remember the most.” S ENIOR EMMA JIMENEZ

”I’ll definitely miss the football games, dances, pep assemblies, and getting to play high school ball. I’ll miss my teachers like Mr. hall and [Mrs.] Howell. And I’ll miss getting to see my best friends everyday.”

SENIOR DANTE AMMON

”I’ll miss the football and basketball games. [I’ll miss] being able to support my friends, and in one case, getting kicked out of a basketball game.”

SENIOR ANDERS CARLSON

” I’ll remember that even though high school is crazy and everyone had so much going on, there’s always been people at West who are able to help me with anything.”

SENIOR SAMANTHA FLORES

” Some things I’ll remember are all the fun I had at dances like the bonfire (back when there was an actual fire), and all the times I had with my team and friends over the years.”

SENIOR DANTE AMMON

” I will remember how our class came together to make history twice in the annual air guitar competition. The amount of work and bravery it took to make complete fools of ourselves in front of the entire student body is something I will never forget.”

SENIOR GEMMA WILLIAMS

USED WITH PERMISSION OF LISA BACUS

“I’ll never forget the closeness of the student body and how involved and closely knit all the students are. It will probably be much different when we go to college.”

SENIOR DAVIS IHDE

What I’ll Never

BY Chase LaPerle

“The pep assemblies before football games and friday night lights at the football stadium next to my best friends will always be memorable.”

SENIOR SOPHIA LYNN

“The family I had when I needed someone, everyone was so sweet and caring. Of course Air Guitar as well! We set history ain’t nobody changing that!”

SENIOR

“Powder puff and Powder tuff, not only the games, but leading up to them like the practices as well as spirit week has to be something I’ll never forget because it gets everyone who wants to be involved, involved.”

SENIOR SAMANTHA FLORES

“Pep assemblies and the atmosphere of football games will always be my favorite thing.”

SENIOR HAILEY DAVIS

IN A FEW SHORT WEEKS,

SENIOR ANDERS

“As a sophomore, beating the senior class in Air Guitar.”

CARLSON

Forget

Senior Kylie Wagar

MEGHAN HOOD

“I’ll never forget the teachers that truly care and help their students even when they are busy. Shoutout to both Mr. and Mrs. Mehl, Mr. Duman, Mr. Boase, and Mrs. Paine.”

“Beating South Salem in football this year was by far and away the one moment I’ll always remember.”

SENIOR TRENTON DUTCHER

“It was hard coming from California in the middle of my freshman year, but I’ll never forget the close friends I made on the baseball team and how they helped me get through the moving pains.”

SENIOR CURTIS ZAMORA

330 West Albany seniors will walk across the stage at Memorial Stadium, receiving much more than a diploma. Graduation for the 2018 class will symbolize a recollection of cherished memories, events, and accolades looked upon as incomprehensible when the same group sat in the cafeteria on their first day of freshman year. For certain, almost every Senior will have something worth missing: whether it be a specific class, teacher, event, or activity. Although most may not remember who they sat next to in their sophomore year English class, they will remember a 4-peat Air Guitar sweep or first high school dance. Some of those unforgettable memories will be worth discussing with their own children 30 years down the road. For the class of 2018, there are plenty of moments that they will never forget.

”I’ve learned that you just gotta be yourself. Be happy with who you are and not care what other people think of you.”

SENIOR CHRISTINA WILLIAMS

”I’ve learned to believe in myself and to never stop trying, even when I feel like giving up.”

SENIOR KYLIE WAGAR

”I have learned to be more accepting of people that are different than me.”

SENIOR MORGAN BELL

”I’ve learned that it’s okay to screw up. Everyone makes mistakes and holding bad memories won’t change anything.”

SENIOR ASHLEY ALCORN

”I learned that it’s okay to be yourself. I spent too much time trying to conform and be unoriginal just so i could fit in with a certain group of people.”

SENIOR GEMMA WILLIAMS

“I wish I would’ve known that in the end, having a couple of unexcused absences or even a detention isn’t going to ruin your life. Have some fun before life hits you like the brick it is.”

SENIOR ABBY SCHEELE

“I wish I’d known how much grades affect scholarships.”

SENIOR BRADY ADDINGTON

“I wish I’d known how fast it was going to go by, so I could cherish the moments more.”

SENIOR MORGAN BELL

“I wish I’d known that most of the stuff that happens in high school doesn’t matter.”

SENIOR HANNAH KERLEGAN

“I wish I’d known to ask more questions during my first two years. My grades could have been a lot better if I just asked for help.”

SENIOR CHRISTINA WILLIAMS

SENIOR STATS

As the Class of 2018 begins to pack up its things and look toward the future, The Whirlwind wanted to provide a snapshot of its high school experience. We asked 223 seniors. Here’s what they said

BY Curtis Allen and Kate Looney

On an average school day I woke up between the hours of...

Teacher most likely to be invited to a student’s wedding

*Icons used with the permission of,The Noun Project

A legacy of my own

SENIOR CURTIS ALLEN

I’VE NEVER BEEN one to beg.

It’s not that I’m too prideful; I just prefer to earn my accomplishments solely by merit rather than pity. So you can imagine how mortified I felt standing in front of my Chemistry teacher, shamefully asking if there was anything I could do, any homework assignment I could make up or any test I could retake, to raise my grade.

It was the very last day of the 2015-2016 school year — the day everybody skips. All of my friends were outside playing frisbee or going out to lunch, but I needed to raise that grade. My academic career hung in the balance.

The grade? An 89.9%.

Both of my brothers were Valedictorians at West. I grew up with the inculcated notion that I would be just like them. They had been my role models since birth, and this was evident in my everyday life.

They played soccer, so I did too.

They played in band, so I did too.

They acted in community theater, so I did too.

They maintained perfect grades, so I did too.

Therein lies the issue. If a fuel source is entirely vicarious, the fuel source will eventually fail.

In other words, if a person only gets their motivation from watching others, their success will inevitably become both exhausting and unfulfilling.

So there I was, the very last day of my sophomore year, feeling both exhausted and unfulfilled. I needed an “A” if I wanted to be a Valedictorian, but my Chemistry teacher, bless her heart, wouldn’t budge. She said, in the most polite way possible, that if I deserved an “A,” my grade would reflect such. She wasn’t going to round it up.

And thank goodness she didn’t. I was devastated at the time, of course. After all, this had always been one of my only goals in high school — maybe even

my only quantifiable goal. My perceived failure left me feeling deflated, frustrated, and regretful. I was going to be the only Allen boy not to wear that shiny yellow scarf-thing on the day of the graduation. My parents were going to be crushed. I was going to lose face in front of all my friends.

Yet, at no point throughout those years of study had I considered the possibility that maybe being a Valedictorian wasn’t actually important to me. I had been striving tirelessly to fulfill a legacy rather than create my own.

So, when I received that first “B” on the semester report card, it stung, sure. But it stung my pride and, frankly, that was for the better. I took from this experience something that has proved invaluable over the past two years: I learned to be happy with myself.

Before junior year, I hadn’t tried any activity that my parents and siblings hadn’t exhorted me to do. My high school career had been laid out for me; I had never thought to deviate from the path and explore. Since I’ve been freed from the imposing expectations, I’ve joined positive activities, formed invaluable friendships, and taken exciting risks that I otherwise would have missed entirely. Most importantly, however, I’ve carved my own identity.

I’m no longer “an Allen.” I’m just Curtis.

For any other high school student, professional athlete, street musician, lawyer, or real estate agent, I would earnestly hope they come to this revelation long before I did. Though pressure can sometimes serve as a great motivator, it also has the potential to be an imposing antagonist. Just breathe. The only standards that truly matter are your own. With the benefit of retrospect, that horrific 89.9% in Chemistry was one of the greatest things that has happened to me. It taught me to look up from the numbers and into the mirror.

I’VE ACHIEVED A LOT in life solely to spite my older sister. I learned to walk so I could follow her around and bother her. I learned to read because she knew how to read, and I didn’t want her to feel special. So, because she didn’t say yes to any extracurriculars at West, I decided to say yes to all of them.

These activities include: choir, improv club, Air Guitar, Oregon Battle of the Books, Winter Talent Assembly, asking someone to Winter Formal, powderpuff, the spring musical, journalism, and rugby. Now, I would love to say that I was great at

SENIOR VADA SHELBY

Just say ‘yes’ SENIOR KATE LOONEY Finding friendship

HAVING A CONSTANT friend group to grow up with was awesome. We met in 6th grade, and lasted until junior year. In 7th grade, almost all of us were emo. It was disgusting, but we didn’t know that yet. There were many parties where we listened to “Blood On The Dancefloor” and experimented with cheap makeup.

In 8th grade, my best friend moved

everything I tried and found wild amounts of success, but I wasn’t and I didn’t. I didn’t even make it into acapella choir, I was terrible at improv, the West Albany OBOB team lost in the last round, I didn’t make it into Winter Talent, the person I asked to Winter Formal rejected me, I was robbed of a rightful win in my first Powderpuff game, I wasn’t even brave enough to audition for the spring musical until my senior year, and my rugby team lost all but one of our games in my first season. But I regret nothing.

As a naturally competitive person, not having a natural aptitude for something isn’t an easy pill to swallow, but in doing all these things, I found stuff that was so much more important than victory. Asking someone to Winter Formal and auditioning for the Winter Talent assembly gave me my first real taste of rejection and taught me how to deal with it. While doing Air Guitar, I met my best friend who I now live with, and also my very first (and longest lasting) high school crush. In doing OBOB, I met some of my

in with my dad and me. Not only did our parties become more frequent, but she helped me get over one of my toughest battles: my constant fighting with my dad. She and I had so many sister-like adventures during that time, and I still treasure those memories.

At the end of 8th grade, we went to the West Albany step-up assembly, which kicked off a summer to remember. Freshman year, we settled into our regular meeting spot half way down F hall. Sophomore year, we helped each other get over boys. Junior year, we lost one to suicide. He hadn’t been in our lives as long as others, but he left a strong impression on all of us. Mourning with a group who understood my pain made that process so much easier.

A few months later, things went wrong. There were more fights, more tears, and less enjoyment. I still don’t know who is at fault for what happened, but I have

closest friends, and I got to read some pretty dang good books. I may not have found victory, but not a single one of these endeavors was a failure.

And the thing is: the victories came. My junior year I got into the Winter Talent Assembly and Rhythmix, senior year we got the win we deserved in Powderpuff, and the rugby team went on to win back-to-back state championships. But that’s not the moral of this story. Even if we still lost every game, I wouldn’t regret playing rugby. Even if we hadn’t won Air Guitar, I wouldn’t regret dancing with my classmates. And even if I never made it into Rhythmix or Winter Talent Assembly, or the musical, I wouldn’t regret auditioning, because it’s about so much more than a simple win or loss.

The choice I made as a freshman to try everything is the best decision I made in high school. It led me to so many amazing experiences and so many incredible people, and even the ones I didn’t succeed at, I don’t regret for a second.

figured out how to come to terms with what happened. I hate that our bonds didn’t last, but changes happen in high school, and now I know that losing friends is common.

What I’ve learned is that “best friends” don’t stay. Sometimes people come into your life and stay, but they are never the “best friends”. Enjoying friendships while they last and loving what you have is extremely important in high school because things change, and they don’t always fall back into place. Couples will break up and cliques will fall apart, but there will always be somebody.

Now, my “friend group” consists of four or five people, all from different walks of life. I don’t have any more group parties, but I’ve found that one-on-one time with those important to you is more beneficial.

Continued on page 16

Discovery in injury

I’M RUNNING TO the soccer ball full speed in my club soccer teams state championship game. Then, next thing I know I’m on the ground, aching in pain. My coach helps me off the field in hopes it was a simple knee sprain. Weeks later I found out I had torn my ACL, meniscus and two other parts of my knee.

Soccer was basically my whole life. Everything I wanted to do after high school involved soccer in some way -then my knee stopped me from doing any of it. I couldn’t play my senior year of high school soccer due to a bad recovery, and I haven’t played since.

This was my turning point. I needed to figure out what the rest of my life would hold. For many months after, I still had faith I would play again, but it just didn’t work out.

So, instead, I made the choice to stop trying. Which, in my senior year, when I’m supposed to be figuring out what I wanted to do with my life, wasn’t really a great choice.

It may seem like senior year is too late to make a change and start something completely new, but it’s isn’t. I know many students who still don’t know what they’re doing or say they wished they would’ve tried certain activities or clubs. I say go for it.

At the end of my junior year I had decided to join journalism, thinking it would be a fun thing to do with some of my time until my knee came back. When I realized wasn’t going to recover, I made journalism class my priority. It turns out that it’s something I’m really interested in. I thought such a change would be hard to make my senior year, and it honestly was, but the enjoyment I’ve gotten out of it since makes up for any missed opportunity.

A tiny interest is still some interest, and who cares if it’s a week-long venture? At least it will be something to check off the bucket list. High school is a time to try new things. You don’t necessarily have to find yourself, but figuring out activities or pastimes you could enjoy is worth the shot.

I thought soccer would be it for me, but it turns out I was just naive. Go out and try something new, take a class you might not have expected to like. If I can leave you with one very important piece of information it’s this: don’t tear your ACL.

Where I’m headed...

Get to know a few seniors and their post- graduation plans

BY Will Randall

Nick Fleetwood wants to start a production company and create films.

Next year:

I’m going to go to LB[CC] and go into business so I can build up a production company. I’ll get a job so I can make money so that I can afford to make movies and get to where I need to be.

15 years from now:

Fifteen years from now, [I want to be] writing my own movies and directing my own movies. I want to be a director and a writer and make feature films

Why ilmmaking?

My mom has always said reading a book is so much better than the movie, but I’ve never felt that way because a movie encompasses so many aspects. You’re given this thing to watch and leave with something to think about. I have ideas — I want to make stories and present them to people and have them enjoy them.

Gemma Williams wants to return here to WAHS and teach history

Next year:

I plan to major in history at U of O next year.

15 years from now:

15 years from now, I hope to be teaching here at West Albany. I just love the environment here — how people aren’t scared to make fools of themselves at assemblies or football games.

Why Teaching?

I definitely think the teachers have shaped me more than anything. I’ve become so close to a lot of them, and I hope that I can be as impactful in students’ lives as they have been in ours.

Eli Nicholas says he’s still undecided as far as specifics go, but he’s interested in a mathematics dregree from Oregon State University.

Next year:

I want an applied mathematics degree possibly aeronautical engineering.

Why Mathematics?

I spent a lot of time in Condron’s room these past four years. When I was younger I sort of took to mathematics. I was good at it in elementary. But it never occured to me as something I could enjoy doing. As I got to high school, the level of math I could take started to improve, it started to get really, really interesting. I started to enjoy it, and I found it interesting in ways I hadn’t in elementary school..

Continued from page 15

Carl Rogers once wrote about unconditional positive regard and how important it is to obtain. Unconditional positive regard means accepting someone and continuing to accept them regardless of what they do or believe in. Any psychology student has learned the importance of having this in life; without it, it is easy to feel lost and alone. It doesn’t always come from best friends or significant others. More often than not, it comes from the person in your Study Skills you’ve known forever and only

shared a few memories with. In my case, I found it from someone a year older than me. She was graduating around the time I needed a friend the most. Since she has been in college, we don’t see each other much. When we do get to see each other, it’s as if only a day has gone by since our last visit. She keeps me in check and is always willing to listen, and in return I listen to her when she needs it. Her unconditional positive regard has provided me comfort and support, and it got me through heart-

break when I felt alone.

It takes a while to find positive regard. Don’t be discouraged when you don’t have it. If you show those around you positivity, it is sure to find its way back to you. Losing friends is hard, but making yourself flexible to change and showing others positivity is the best way to make new ones.

PARIS BARTON

ROBERT DRAKE PHOTOGRAPHY

LEAF NICHOLAS

SENIOR WILL RANDALL

To the Bulldogs

To the Seniors: We made it. As we head out into our jobs, lives, and further education, there is one thing that will hold true: here at West, we’ve learned to succeed, to fail, and to grow. We’ve laid the foundations for our lives in just four years. We’ve made friends, some of which will be with us as we continue our journeys, and some who will not — and that’s okay. Life isn’t measured in the number of friends we have. It’s measured by the memories we take with us as we go.

To the Juniors: Get ready. Take this summer to enjoy your families and cherish

those close to you. Strengthen those friendships and start your senior year strong. It’s a wild roller coaster ride, and it will be over so fast. Take what you’ve learned and what you will learn, and show the community what being a bulldog means. Be silly, have fun, do the “cheesy high school stuff” like dances and assembly competitions. Be serious as well. Try your hardest, and if it fails, try something different. I wish you the best.

To the Sophomores: Hang in there. Take things slowly. Soak it all in. High school only happens once, and, if you’re not looking, it will fly by. Try something new. Step out of your comfort zone. It is so worth it. To the Feshmen: High school is what you make it. Make it yours. Dare to be different; stand out. Do your best. Don’t be afraid to fail. You’ve got a lot ahead of you. This is just the beginning. High school is a patchwork of stories and people. Get to know someone you probably wouldn’t hang out with normally. I know it sounds like a cliche, but if you’re not willing to meet new people, you will only ever see things from your point of view

1. Don’t try too hard to be popular. Popularity is a social construct, and it was creat-

ed to limit who we can interact with.

2. Be individually you. There’s only one you, and when you’re gone, there won’t be anyone exactly like you ever again.

3. Speak your mind, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. You have an opinion for a reason, and if someone doesn’t like it, who freaking cares?

4. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. You don’t deserve to be treated any less than anyone else in this building. Let someone know.

5. Some people don’t change. That’s not your fault and you probably can’t fix it.

6. Some people are just bad people. You can either be upset about it, or you can be entirely and uniquely you, and not even give them the time of day. Your happiness should never be based on somebody else’s standards.

7. Don’t be afraid to fail. Not everyone is a genius, and that’s okay. You’re going to fall short, and you have to be able to pick yourself up and move forward.

9. Be selfish. It’s okay. At the end of the day, the person that matters most to you is you. Put yourself first. There will be people who try to direct your life, and if you don’t like the road you’re being led down, find a new one. Carve your own way.

The road(s) to success

How our education system has taught us college is the only acceptable route to take after high school, and why this false stigma needs to change

AS THE SCHOOL YEAR is coming to a close, seniors and many other students are starting to think about their future. Some may be busy sending in college applications, and others may be preparing for a training course or program. Some may be looking toward a future career in the military, and some may not want to do anything at all. Whatever the case, all of these choices are ones that students are starting to think about now more than ever, and they’re trying to decide if it’s all worth it, if it will fulfill theirs and others’ expectations.

Throughout our teen years, the U.S. education system has taught us that the ideal life after high school is to go to college, get a degree, and pursue a job or career that will hopefully pay well in order for us to live what is deemed a successful life.

EDITORIAL

The opinion of The Whirlwind editorial board

isn’t the only option.

We’ve seen this pressure in our younger years of education, with teachers warning us about the “real world” and how scary it is out there, and how hard college and even high school will be if we don’t push ourselves to always do our best.

We’ve seen it in the media, with TV shows such as Community either explicitly showing students enjoying college, or students explicitly hating it and going on their own path. We may have even seen it in our own personal lives, with family members or friends constantly being stressed about their education. And in high school, the pressure is more evident than ever.

Students are always being asked about what they want to do right after high school. But with this constant backlash of society telling us that there really is no other viable option than going to college, how do we even begin to answer such a broad and often controversial question? What about the students who don’t even want to follow this “traditional” route to college after high school? Higher education may seem to be the only reasonable pathway for most students, but it certainly

The few programs and training opportunities that we hear about at West Albany are very broad and only apply to a certain group of students: such as a fireman training camp or a summer internship at HP. But there are trainings, classes, and programs that are not often talked about. Youth leadership camps are available in Oregon that help students learn more about working with others and how that can be a possible career or job path. There are military training camps that will help keep students in shape and in focus about their future careers in the military.

These opportunities and others (such as

OUT OF 114 STUDENTS SURVEYED

97 PERCENT SAID THEY PLAN ON GOING TO COLLEGE

internships, studying abroad, and other onthe-job trainings) are openly available for students to look into, yet the Career Center doesn’t seem to have a lot of important information being shared in our morning announcements or on posters in the halls.

With this lack of representation of lesser known jobs, students may feel as if there is no other choice but to go to college or a university. The push of College Now is a perfect example of having a certain pressure on students to earn credit for class-

es at Linn Benton Community College, a two-year college that evidently prepares students for a four-year university. But, according to a study done by the College Board, on average, only 43 percent of students who attend the University of Oregon graduate with a four-year bachelor’s degree. College expenses are overall about $25,815 for college students in Oregon.

With such a costly, time-consuming effort that results in a degree for a career that students weren’t hoping for, students may think that all of the work is unnecessary, and that it simply isn’t worth it. Plus, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, 80 percent of college students in the U.S. will change their major at least once, which clearly shows that young people don’t know what they want due to the limited amount of resources given to them in their twelve years of education.

This is what has caused such a divide in students’ interests, socially and academically. The lack of encouragement to pursue our goals has caused us to be subject to work jobs and stay in careers that were not what we wanted to do in the long run. There needs to be more open career and job diversity in schools in order for the students of our generation to realize that there are many different paths to take other than a higher education. College isn’t for everyone, and success looks different for everyone, and we need to respect that. If not, we will be stuck with unhappy young people, working unsatisfying jobs, living an unfulfilled life.

MAGGIE BEDRIN

What is hard about choosing a career?

“Probably the fact that it’s going to impact you for the rest of your life no matter what.”

SOPHOMORE

MEREDITH RAMIREZ

“It’s like a really important life decision that has a lot of weight on it. I don’t know what obstacles because I haven’t tried to get a career yet.”

SOPHOMORE

AMAYA BULCAO-MOORE

“No [choosing a career is] not really [hard], because you just have to find something that you like doing and find a career based on that.”

JUNIOR KEESEN LAWSON

“Whether or not I will be satisfied with it for the rest of my life...If you get in the work force and you’re not happy with it, it would kinda suck.”

HEALTH TEACHER AMY BOFTO

Complaint File

Finding gum under the tables

Careers due today

How do you find yourself in a world demanding to know your future?

BY Maggie Bedrin

TEENAGERS ACROSS

the U.S. are being asked the same question: “What do you want to do with the rest of your life?” With students struggling to find themselves, and being unable to control their emotions, how can we expect an answer? All of us have filled out those quizzes, tests, and surveys to help you dial down on a career that’s supposedly suited for us. When it really comes down to it, we are all too wrapped up in trying to find ourselves and passing our classes to even consider something that extreme. The pressure of living up to our family’s standards aren’t helping us; we’re standing breaking down from being overwhelmed. According to Jeffrey Selingo on The Washington Post, 52 percent of students change their career choice between taking the ACT and SAT test to when they graduate high school. Why choose when we’re going to change our minds anyway?

Through these mental breakdowns, some of us can barely manage to get our homework done. Trying to keep up with classes throughout the year and studying to pass all your tests is pain enough. Choosing a career is a mind-numbing task that takes up

Why do we still have the problem of gum under tables and desks? Finding gum under the table is disgusting, especially when you find it by feel. This shouldn’t be hard to understand: putting gum under a table is inappropriate. We should, as a school, not overlook this as much as we do because it’s a simple issue. We should have every student who is caught doing this be given the job of scraping tables, chairs, and desks. Our janitors and custodians work hard until 10 at night, cleaning up our messes in our school. The least we can do is appricate their hard efforts and help them by picking up after ourselves. If that doesn’t work after trying for at least a year, we should just ban gum all together. As a group, we should all know better; this is a simple hygiene issue. It’s not that hard to get up and throw your gum out because the trash is right there.

RANDOM 10

plenty of time, only to confuse us more on this complicated topic. When looking to the future, we can get discouraged and afraid because we’re expected to have it all planned out, top to bottom. To create a lifestyle we’d love to live, but only a few of us can manage to create it. We are still developing our brains and personality at this age, are trying and find who we are, what we want to pursue.

Since choosing a career is still important, we should have a focused class on ‘choosing a career’ as a possible solution, providing us with ideas based on our personalities and interests, as well as learning to fill out job applications for practice would help the problem immensely. We do have dog Teams but that class lacks the depth we need to find our careers. A school in Florida called Palm Beach County School created a career choosing program to help their students.

Overall, we just need to manage our emotional and hormonal problems and truly find ourselves in order to choose a career we actually want to live with. This is a hard task, and it’s painful, but when it comes down to it adults shouldn’t require us to make such a difficult choice.

We asked 10 random Bulldogs if choosing a career was hard.

8 OUT OF 10 SAID YES

MAGGIE BEDRIN

'

Sorry, I have to work'

Upperclassmen battle the balance of working and having fun in the summer

BY Geneva Mellison

JUNIORS AND SENIORS

get asked the same question every time a holiday rolls around, grandma is in town, or an old neighbor stops by: “What are your plans after high school?” After the internal groaning is over, they smile and say an elaborate plan of work or college and some field of interest they have that will satisfy this person’s question. They know what the right answer is. No one is going to say, ‘I am terrified and lost and I don’t want to grow up’, even though that’s how most of us feel.

The first step is figuring out what the summer following graduation will hold: usually, a job. The U.S. Census found that one in four high schoolers get a job early during the school year, but some scrounge to find one after graduation in order to raise a couple thousand bucks to offset their incoming student loans, which are bound to last a lengthy

amount of time. This begs the question... is it worth it? Is having a job that takes up every second of your last real summer worth the

What brings you happiness? Does prepping meals

Queen put a fire in your heart and make your bones shake with excitement? Probably not. Hey, I mean if DQ is your passion, I apologize, however, in almost every case, you go to work to get paid. There may be times you enjoy yourself, but every person has other things they would rather be doing than working. Spending every ounce of your free time either sleeping or making expensive coffee for strangers can be extremely draining. Researchers at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and at University College in London found in a study of 2,000 workers that 67 percent had a higher risk of coronary heart disease because of overworking.

Let’s weigh your options. When you’re in your mid 40s, reminiscing on all your years of youth, will you pat yourself on the back for not going on that road trip with your friends so you could work a 36hour week to have $400 to put towards college? Or will you laugh and have those meaningful stories to tell, just because you took one week off, made memories, even if it meant that you later had to sign off one extra check to send to the bank? According to Mark Kantrowitz from Private Student Loans Guru, in 2017 the average college graduate had $39,400 in student loans. Wanting to make money is understandable, but does money outweigh the little time you have as a kid?

It would be foolish to say that someone who is planning on going to college shouldn’t get a job and should goof off all the time and then expect money to come. Of course that isn’t possible, but it’s about time management and how you spend the currency you earn. Get a job this summer. Work hard. But don’t let it become your life.

Don’t be so engulfed in work that you forget to be a kid, the last chance you get. Take a day or two off once in a while to go to the beach, go on a date, or have a party. Time is running out. When you look back on your teens, sure, you

We surveyed

111

students: 70.3% PLAN ON GETTING A JOB

As humans, we need to relax, to have friendships, to have fun. With all of the stress of getting money for college, you will actually give yourself an extra dose of stress if you don’t take time to take care of yourself and do something that isn’t just menial work, or college, or anything that makes you want to explode.

might remember how hard work and dedication got you to where you are, but the laughter, the roadtrips, the fun; those are the stories you’ll tell forever, and those are the things that are worth spending your time on.

Jackie Laplante

Our dystopian downfall

In a world where our thumbs do more exercise than we do our society slowly deteriates into a world of dystopia

By Jaden Rodriguez

BY THE NEAR FUTURE,

as soon as 2020, scientists plan to begin the testing of flying cars. Robots will be delivering food, lifting heavier objects than humans can, and looking more human than humans themselves. This is all right around the corner. Classrooms filled with technology, as students’ eyes peer into a brightly lit screen, walking forward, as their sole attention focusses onto the screen within their hands, never knowing where they are going, what is ahead of them: this is now.

A life so guided by technology and dependent on pieces of metal is what authors have written about for centuries. In 1953, Ray Bradbury wrote “Fahrenheit 451,” a novel nearly all of us have read, and described objects known as “sea shells” that people put in their ears that block out the world. Now, our own version of these sea shells are known as headphones, which are so overused that they are banned within the halls of our own school.

In some places, we have even gone as far as banning certain books, such as “A Wrinkle In Time” and “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian.” We are being coerced to read a book about society taking away books and knowledge, while the public school system continues to ban majorly-influential books from us on the daily. This filtration of our education is, purportedly, in order to prevent teenagers from all things supposedly ‘bad’ and ‘harmful’ in the world. Apparently, it seems to be that those sexual references and that inappropriate language is definitely not heard within our own high school halls.

However, the main idea of nearly all dystopian societies seems to be igno-

Humanoid robot, Sophia, was created by a Disney Imaginer. This human-like robot can mock human emotion according to National Geographic Magazine.

TITLE: The Hunger Games

AUTHOR: Suzanne Collins

IDEAS OF DYSTOPIA: abuse of government control, murder as a game

TITLE: The Giver

AUTHOR: Lois Lowery

IDEAS OF DYSTOPIA: limiting emotion, color, and freedom of choice, in order to create a world of extreme equality

TITLE: Divergent

AUTHOR: Veronica Roth

IDEAS OF DYSTOPIA: censorship, surveilance, dictatorship, and divison of the people

TITLE: The Maze Runner

AUTHOR: James Dashner

IDEAS OF DYSTOPIA: survival of the fittest, censorship of thoughts

rance—the ignorance toward worlds other than our own. We live in a world where we pay more attention to the latest dance trends or what was worn to the Met gala than what wars are going on right outside of our country. In rapper Childish Gambino’s new music video for his song, “This Is America,” he is shown dancing down the street as the world around him collapses in chaos, war, and other forms of cruelty. This was made to symbolize the ignorance of our society as we manage to dance around and care more about keeping our guns than we do about school shootings, police brutality, and the world exploding in war. Our choice to ignore these issues pushes us closer and closer to our dystopian downfall.

So, the question is, why after writing novel after novel, movie after movie, and lesson after lesson, are we closer than ever to being a dystopian society? The answer is perfectionism. Our constant attempts to build perfect lives. To create a perfect society.

If we want this perfect society, we need to stop trying to create perfect people. No person will ever be perfect, for every single person makes mistakes, whether big or small. Perhaps the hard, tedious tasks that we now assign to technology are those which makes us more human because those tedious tasks are what give us purpose. And deteriorating humanity is what pulls us closer to the societies we read about.

Perhaps we are not like District 12 in The Hunger Games phenomenon, nor do we live in a world where color is wiped from our brains like those in the society of the novel The Giver, but purpose is what makes us human and the day technology has more purpose than humans do, that is the day we should fear.

You’re killing me, Smalls

How four freshmen starting has affected the varsity softball team and their bonding, overall experience, playing, and drive. What makes them a winning team?

BY Megan Carroll and Kailee Young

MAKING A VARSITY team as a freshman is always a big deal, but the way a team reacts to freshmen making varsity is another story. Freshmen can be as young as 14 and seniors could be 18, so there is often an awkward stage for the team when it comes to bonding. There are very few exceptions to this rule; however, this year’s softball team has proven to be quite the exception in more ways than one.

There are four freshmen on varsity softball this year, and all of them claimed starting positions. Naturally, this means

How does it make older players feel to have freshmen on varsity?

“I think it would make them feel good because if they are playing, then they must be the best person to help the team get better. I think they’d appreciate the help.”

football coach Cole Pouliot

“I think if the older players are really team players, it shouldn’t matter to them what grade the athlete is as long as they contribute and do their part.”

junior Eli Mcspaden, football

other teammates don’t have the same opportunity to start like the freshmen do. In some cases, this kind of situation causes tension amongst a team, but not for our varsity softball team.

“At the end of the day, winning is important to all of us, and I think that’s what makes everyone understanding and supportive of who’s in the lineup that day,” freshman Riley Ramirez said.

Although four freshmen are taking up starting positions, the team atmosphere has remained positive, and the girls are always happy for one another.

How do you think younger athletes can better prepare themselves for varsity?

“Taking advantage of opportunities... That’s what separates the kids who deserve to be on varsity as freshmen. They are the ones that are taking advantage of the opportunities.”

wrestling coach Bryan Barker

“There is always someone your age or younger than you who is going to more workouts or even just working harder than you are. Doing extra things like weight training, running, and consuming less junk foods, and more nutrient-rich foods, can help athletes better prepare for the varsity level, and give athletes a chance to be a starting player.”

senior Jacquelyn Clark, volleyball

“I feel like... the freshmen and seniors are best friends because the seniors were so welcoming and friendly to us coming in and playing,” freshman Presley Jantzi said. “I don’t feel as though starting as a freshman has created any tension between [the freshmen and the seniors] because of the bonds we created. We are happy for each other‘s successes.”

Jantzi and Ramirez aren’t the only players who feel this way either. Senior Cassie Cosler says the seniors have made very good relationships with the freshmen, and the team chemistry is “really good.” With such

What is the effect on a freshman who makes varsity’s social and home lives?

“I think it’s a positive one because I could see parents being very pleased about having their kids doing so well during the season. It is time consuming, so it takes away from academics, which should be first and foremost, so there’s a lot of catching up.”

golf coach Ian Condron

“Being on varsity as a freshman definitely opens you up to new friend groups and is a big commitment that does end up affecting your time at home.”

sophomore Porter Phillips, baseball

Would having freshmen on varsity create tension on the team?

“For sure, I think there is tension regardless of what age the kid is. Anytime that there is a younger guy that is competing in certain spots or roles or positions and he happens to get more playing time than the other, I think that always creates natural conflict.”

football coach Brian Mehl

“From my experience, not at all. I think it creates older to younger player connections, which is really important. But it all depends on the specific team.”

junior Sienna Higginbottom, track

MAGGIE BEDRIN

good team chemistry, the varsity softball team won a total of 14 games this year, not including their preseason. And, according to Ramirez, their coaches never worried about a lack of hunger to win.

“I feel like our desire to win came naturally because we know how much talent we have on the team this season,” Ramirez said. “Our team bond from the start was better than most teams I’ve ever played on, so the coaches don’t really stress about that.”

So, what was their secret weapon to such a successful year? Cosler claimed it was in part because of how much leadership there is in the senior class and how willing the freshmen are to push themselves and win games for one another. Jantzi said she felt she wouldn’t have been able to play as well as she did this season if she hadn’t been treated as an equal on the team because of her age, but luckily, the team had a respect for all of its members, not just the older girls.

Cosler described this year’s experience as “really great,” explaining the team chemistry was strong, and having a strong freshman class come in was “really great to round out our championship-level talent.”

Jantzi explained she was nervous going into softball being a freshman, but it became fun as soon as it started once she “really go to know everybody,” and that, she says, is what made this year a “once in a lifetime experience.”

So, although making a varsity team as a freshman can be pretty scary at first, Jantzi highlighted, “Being a freshman playing varsity against older girls shouldn’t scare you. You should be confident in yourself and [know] that you will do great things!”

What are some positive aspects to having freshmen on varsity?

“Sarah Hamilton is a freshman and she ran varsity the whole season. She’s a really outstanding runner and loves running. So for us, [co-track coach Blain] Willard and I, we look at someone like her and we go, ‘You’re going to be with us for three more years,’ and that’s how we feel about all our freshman runners.”

cross country coach June Morris

“They’ll be on the team for four years, they’re a young player, and they’re not going to graduate right away.”

freshman Sarah Hamilton, cross country

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT FRESHMEN ON VARSITY?

“The first time I was played, it was very nerve racking. But then [the nerves] go away and you just play, and the upperclassmen made me feel more comfortable on the court.”

freshman Maddie Dowell

“I’m fine with it. Just as long as they earn their spot and do their work. We shouldn’t allow them not to play in an environment that would have them grow just because of their age.”

sophomore Jayde Crow

“I think that being on varsity should be represented by your skill level and work ethic, not by your grade level. We had a starting freshman on our basketball team, and she worked her butt off to get there.”

senior Grace Getsfrid

“If they truly are good enough, then I think it’s perfectly fine...Coaches have the final word on who makes the team or not. And if they make the team better I say, yeah that’s great. And maybe a freshman has been playing longer than a sophomore, so they bump them out; I think that’s okay, too. It’s all about experience and training to get better in the sport you’re in.”

junior Erica Reitmann

Why do you think some coaches are so reluctant to put freshmen on a varsity team?

“Because there is a great difference between a 14-year old and a 18-year old, but there are good parts to a freshman player. They are so excited, wide eyed, and they’re eager and hungry to participate and do what you need them to do.”

high steppers coach Lisa Bacus

“Most of them have only had experiences with sports at a younger level, and high school is a lot more responsibility and way harder.

Freshmen just haven’t had the experience a lot of coaches are looking for.”

senior Anna Soot, water polo

Q AND A WITH COACH SHAWN STINSON

How does a coach decide who plays on varsity?

It has to do with skill level, so whether they are physically ready and whether they are mentally ready.

How many freshmen could make it on to varsity?

That really depends on, I would say, the strength of your program because, let’s take my situation this year for instance, I had four seniors, so I had quite a bit of room for younger players, but I also had a couple sophomores but a lot of juniors, so that limited my opportunity for freshmen. But we had a little bit of room for freshmen, so a lot of my freshmen did get the opportunity to play.

What is the difference between varsity and JV?

The speed of the game is very different, and the mental tax on a player is very, very different as far as pressure, the fear of failure, because on JV there is one talented player on the floor you have to worry about. On varsity level, there are typically five.

When a player first joins a team, what team do they join?

It depends on your talent level, so basically we try to have two teams, but in the past we’ve had a freshman team, a JV team, and a varsity team, and the freshman team is usually reserved for freshmen but doesn’t have to be all the freshmen, so if we have a freshman that is more talented than a lot of our sophomore group and, basically, she’s a better player and handles the mental capacity really, well she’ll move up to JV.

Do you think having freshmen on varsity would make some people feel replaced?

“Possibly. I haven’t noticed that. Most of the freshmen on the team, the older girls recognize that they’re there for a reason, and in my experience I’ve seen the older girls embrace the younger players.”

volleyball coach Kelli Backer

“I personally don’t feel replaced, but I could see how someone might feel replaced if they felt they should be placed differently.”

sophomore Emilia Watts, tennis

What does it mean to a freshman to make the varsity team?

“I think it’s mixed emotions. Obviously it’s prideful, it’s what they want to reach, but it comes with a lot of danger [and] a lot of baggage”

baseball coach Don Lien

“Making varsity as a freshmen would mean a lot being an underclassman and being put into leadership role early in a program.

junior Denae Greig, basketball

LIEN

on me

The end of an era for this iconic baseball duo

BY Jordan Andreas

THE SUN BEATING ON HIS skin as he runs the bases in his backyard. The slight sting from the wiffle balls being thrown at him, increasing his speed. After making it around the bases, he comes back to home base to set up his tee with his dad-the tee being little orange cones, which grow in size as Jayce does. Baseball head coach Don Lien has been exposing his son Senior Jayce Lien to baseball since his childhood.

Starting in his own backyard with his, now seemingly microscopic, sandlot, to playing varsity with his dad.

Don played baseball at Mckay High School and Lewis and Clark College, adding up to 18 plus years of playing on the field. He has been coaching baseball for about 24 years, while Jayce has been playing for around 12 years. Therefore, Jayce has been his sidekick for half the time he’s been coaching.

When Jayce was a little boy, his dad always had a plan for him to play baseball, or at least to try it. In their backyard sits a sandlot, which used to be the perfect size for three-year-old Jayce. One of their first memories includes this sandlot and little orange cones. Don would set up little

pylon cones as Jayce’s tee and had him practice batting with them.

“[Jayce] was hitting right-handed and throwing back to me with his left hand. The other side is more valued, so I made him start throwing with his right and left hand and hit on both sides of the tee.”

When asked if his dad influenced his love for baseball, Jayce says, “I think it was always there, but him encouraging definitely helped me realize the potential for it, and being around it all the time definitely influenced it.”

With that being said, Don explains a situation that involves coaches losing precious time with their family due to the time devoted to their career. Coaching can be very hard on families, as said person is very dedicated to their job life. Don takes his job seriously, but prefers to live his life with his family, rather than without. Coaches having to juggle family life and their job takes a toll on some families. He decided to learn from the mistakes that other coaches have made and gives advice that he always tries to live by:

first name has always been odd for Jayce to do, and not treating Jayce like he does at home is a struggle for Don. Although they both slip up, they tend to keep the coachplayer relationship balanced along with the father-son relationship they have.

“I want him to understand that away from the field I’m dad, but on the field, I’m coach and I’m going to be the same with everyone.”

“You need to immerse your family in what you do. And when they see your passion, it feeds their passion.” HEAD BASEBALL

Since they need to keep their relationship professional, they don’t have a pre-game tradition like others might. Don admits that he does pray for Jayce before the game, and Jayce says he gives a hug to both of his parents.

Since Jayce is a senior graduating this year, it is almost as if it’s the end of an era for these two. With Jayce going off to college, he won’t have his dad by his side anymore. After having his dad as his coach for almost his whole baseball career it’ll be a big adjustment for both of the Liens.

“The one piece of advice that I’ve always taken to heart is you need to immerse your family in what you do. And when they see your passion, it feeds their passion.”

While involving his family in his job, he still has to keep a coach-player relationship on the field. To keep everything fair, Don has always taught Jayce to call him coach, instead of dad, while they’re playing baseball. Calling his dad “coach” or by his

“It’s going to be weird trying to figure out that stuff on my own [feedback], but he has been preparing me on trying to recognize my own weaknesses and not rely on someone else seeing them. So I think it’s going to be an adjustment, but I think that, with the training that he’s given me, it’ll be okay.”

Jayce will have the opportunity to test out his preparedness when moving on to play for head baseball coach Marty Hunter, for George Fox, next year.

Sport Support

Multi-sport athletes find benefit inside participating in track

BY Ruth Nash

THE PRESSURE IS ALL ON

YOU, standing, looking at the finish line, waiting for the gun to fire. Track and field is a sport comprised of a variety of events in which athletes can train and better themselves in the sport they play. Yet, Science Daily, a research news website, explains that nearly 45 percent of student athletes in America focus on one sport.

This year, West Albany’s track and field participation was substantially smaller, losing an estimated 20 participants from the previous year.

THROWING

“I think it’s because there so many other sports going on at the same time,” track coach Brian Wadlow said. “There are new ones, including lacrosse and rugby.”

SPRINTS

athletes new skills that can help them in the future.”

Multi-sport athlete Junior Alyssa Walls agrees. “There’s benefits, especially for the runners,” Walls said. “They get their speed and agility in at practice as well as the conditioning, and then with throwers, they learn the use of legs, explosion, as well as timing.”

Senior Nick Fleetwood was a part of track and field up to his sophomore year, then decided to quit.

“[Football coach Brian] Mehl came up

HOW THEY CONNECT

Having a good center of gravity and being powerful creates a successful thrower

game.

Walls also mentioned some other skills necessary when it comes to being successful in track: “Strength [included], because we do some lifting, and with plyometrics, the jumping and throws we do also contribute.”

While many athletes view track as just a sport for running and unenjoyable due to the pressure of it, in reality, it can help in the long run with a multitude of different things. West Albany’s track program changed up this year, adding on new meets and reaching out to compete with different teams so the athletes are challenged with new competitors.

BASKETBALL

Proper explosiveness, stride length, body position, knee lift, and arm carry FOOTBALL JUMPS

Cordination, agility, and power are what one needs to be successful in these events

Research shows many benefits to being a multi-sport athlete and not focusing on specializing in one sport. It limits overuse of certain muscles, which can cause injury, and athletes won’t get burnt out as easy. Track and field has a variety of events to obtain all these benefits.

“Track can benefit [athletes] for other sports as well,” Wadlow said. “It teaches

to me my sophomore year and said to do track so I would be faster for football, and I didn’t want to at first, but I increased my 40 time and I became co-top dawg at West Albany, so yeah I’d say it helped,” Fleetwood said.

Sticking to one sport to specialize in has become an ongoing trend in American society. Yet, when athletes expand out and further their knowledge onto different sports, new skills can build onto their

CHEER

“The past few years we did the bare minimum just the league meets and scheduled one and this year they realized they have to make a change and started adding more meets where you get to travel and ones where you compete on weekends against people you don’t know,” said Walls.

The benefits of track and field can reach farther than most athletes have seen on the surface. Staggering away from specializing in one sport and choosing to join one, like track and field, can create a whole new perspective for athletes on the field or court.

JORDAN DOUGLAS

CHANTING INTIMIDATION

BY Brianna Graunitz

“WE’RE GONNA RUCK, MAUL, PILLAGE, AND BURN. WE’RE GONNA RUCK, MAUL, PILLAGE AND BURN AND EAT THE BABIES.”

For the rugby team, intimidation is their goto team tradition. A yell that has been a tradition for roughly eight years is used to push the opposing team into a trap of fear. “Our opponents say it’s quite intimidating, so that is something that we always do,” said Laci Betts, coach of the Lady Lions Rugby team. The yell also helps energize the team and prepare them for the rugby fight ahead. Not only do the Lady Lions have a cheer for to scare their opponents, but they also have another

Rugby Team Chant

tradition. Betts mentions, “There is a phrase that says, ‘Saturday is rugby day,’ it’s a global phrase. So, we decided if Saturday was rugby day, then Friday night needed to be pasta night.” Pasta night is when the Lady Lions get together and bond over pasta to carboload.. “Pasta night brings them together over food, which is a very good bonding experience,” Betts said. “It also helps to get them focused on their goals for the next day.”

THROUGH MY EYES TEAM TRADITION

Lacrosse player

Abby Scheele gives a glimpse into what the game looks like through her eyes.

Time is ticking and thoughts are racing, as senior Abby Scheele explains what it means to be a lacrosse player. “I like it,” Sheele said. “[Playing] is fun. It’s just a sport that brings people together.” Playing since freshman year, Scheele plays as an attacker, who are in charge of scoring goals. When Scheele first started playing lacrosse, she stated, “I felt a little out of my element, but a bunch of other girls were new too, because it’s such a new sport to the school. So, I wasn’t alone in that.” Most teams are going to have some complications, but she is influenced by the positive energy that is brought out to the field. “When I got there, I was like, ‘Oh, this is actually pretty fun.’ I’ve played a lot of other sports, and most of those environments have been pretty negative and toxic.” she said “But, there’s never been that kind of problem with the lacrosse team because we’re all there for each other.”

Q & A ATHLETE

Q & A with boys lacrosse freshman

Evan Hayes

How long have you been playing lacrosse? “For 2 years.”

What do you like about lacrosse?

“I like that it’s fast paced. Every game is kind of different, nothing’s really the same with every game.”

What inspires you to try harder/work harder in lacrosse?

I don’t know, it’s just one of the only sports I play. If you’re gonna be good at any sport, make it be the only sport you’re going to play. I just find it fun. The better you are at it, the more fun it is. More stick skills, and you just get better and better.”

What made you want to play lacrosse? ”My friend’s mom was trying to get me to play lacrosse for about two years. I kept telling her I would, but I never did. So, then I was like, ‘Oh, I guess I’ll try it.’ I played winter, indoor, then just started playing.”

Do you feel like you didn’t have trouble learning the ropes of lacrosse?

”No, I had trouble at first. The first game, there’s a rule when to run in, to do faceoffs, and I ran in at the wrong time. I got a flag called on me.”

INSPIRED BY Tennis Chain of Inspiration

[Junior ]Channon Schuerger is innspired by

“My teammates, [junior] Tanner Madsen and [junior] Kyle Rouzaud. They’re the reason I play, [because] they play tennis with a lot of pride. They model what I want to be like as a tennis player.”

Who is inspired by

“[Senior] Anders Carlson because he has a positive work ethic, and always wants to get better.”

Junior Tanner Madsen

Who is inspired by

“[Senior] Ben Norman because of how much he doesn’t care. He doesn’t let things get to him and it helps alot on the court..”

Junior Anders Carlson

Who is inspired by

“Probably [Senior] David Headrick because he is always so positive”

Senior Ben Norman

PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION FROM MAURA MARANGONI

The ninjas behind the scenes

A look into the Event Tech class and why it is so important

BY Jordyn Lockwood

THEY DANCE THROUGH the dark, moving our surroundings, darting behind people, altering what once was, changing the ways we perceive the scene around us. They are the shadows that move the setting. They are essential, yet many

WHO IS EVENT TECH TEACHER STUART WELSH, TO YOU?

“I would rely on him with almost anything. He is a hard-working individual and deserves all the accolades... He does so much for the schools and community.”

HAYDEN HUZEFKA JUNIOR

“I have two band classes with him, so I spend a lot of time with him inside and outside of school work, doing events, driving to events... He’s nice and relateable, a great teacher, great person.”

CARTER ROSER SOPHOMORE

“You get to know him, he’s a pretty good guy.”

GABE AYALA FRESHMAN

students are still unaware of what Event Tech is and what the techies do.

When junior Hayden Huzefka, event tech producer of three years, spoke of being in event tech, he spoke with a sense of pride in his voice when saying that, “Being in Event Tech requires hard work and commitment,” Huzefka said. “If you don’t have good work ethic, then it’s probably not for you.”

Students in Event Tech agree that it’s not just a class, it is a team, and that a lot of times it can be physically draining. Event Tech consists of students who work behind the scenes during assemblies, performing arts concerts, the spring play, graduation, and other events. Huzefka believes that the take-down of events is the most draining

part of being in the class.

When sophomore Carter Roser was asked what it means to him to be a part of Event Tech, he said, “It’s good experience in the field and the class is like a community.” Roser also mentioned that it is a very learn-by-experience kind of class. Freshman Gabe Ayala agreed that it is a learn-as-you-go class, but that you need to begin with some basic technological knowledge.

Band director and event tech co ordinator Stuart Welsh compares the job to being a ninja. “When the Event Tech program is done right,” Welsh said, “nobody knows you’re doing it.” explaining why not many students don’t know about their presence.

Huzefka says that the people in Event Tech take care of all the technical stuff and mentioned that it can be very physically draining; he recalled that he has fallen asleep in class many times.

Although the class isn’t the biggest, Welsh intends to keep it that way for safety reasons; when there are too many students in the class, it can be difficult to keep all of the students safe when managing their responsibilities. Students agree the class is comfortable with one another and they are almost like a family. The individuals in the class spend a rather significant amount of time with each other, so comfort just comes naturally.

On April 18, studetns in the event tech class set up a new sound system out at the stadium. Pictured are junior Conner Rice and junior Dylan Shelton. Students learned new skills in order to better the system they work with.

MAGGIE BEDRIN

SYDNEY MORGAN

STATE FAIR

FUNNEL CAKES, Ferris wheels, fireworks, and fun memories are all part of the state fair experience. The Oregon state fair is coming to Salem on Aug. 24, and packing up its elephant ears and other classic fair foods on Sept. 3. With other things to do besides fair rides, such as concerts, petting zoos, and much more, it’s a perfect way to wrap up the 2018 summer.

THOR’S WELL

OFTEN REMEMBERED as “The Drainpipe of the Pacific”, Thor’s Well is a natural sinkhole, classified as part of the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area on the Oregon Coast. This seemingly dangerous landmark draws thousands from countless places across the U.S to it, whether to take a picture or just to view it for sake of curiosity. The photogenic naturality will be an essential mark to check on your ‘7 wonders of Oregon’ bucket list.

SUMMER LOVIN’

BY Emily Haarstad and Mattea Hellman

The Whirlwind guide to everything you need to keep the summer of 2018 from becoming a bummer

MULTNOMAH FALLS

JUST OUTSIDE of Troutdale, Ore. stands 620 ft tall Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall you can find in Oregon. With beautiful hiking trails for beginners or experts, and its very own restaurant, these falls are the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest, according to The United States Department of Agriculture. This area is perfect for a day trip into an earthy atmosphere, and will be an amazing experience for all who try it.

PORTLAND ART MUSEUM

THE PORTLAND ART MUSEUM is an iconic stop for all tourists visiting Oregon, drawing 350,000 people annually. Entrance is free for anyone 17 or under, and the cost of $19.99 for adults is a small price to pay to explore the 42,000 fascinating objects it holds behind its walls. Entire art scenes are captured intensely and authentically within the museum, which just add to its draw, and create a killer summer day for any person interested.

GENEVA MELLISON

JOHN FOWLER VIA CC 2.0

PUBLIC DOMAIN KIRT EDBLOM VIA CC-BY-VA

SUMMER BLOCKBUSTERS

Incredibles 2

COMES TO THEATERS:

June 15

The First Purge

COMES TO THEATERS:

July 4

Eighth Grade

COMES TO THEATERS:

July 13

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

COMES TO THEATERS:

June 22

SUMMER SOUNDTRACK BANDS IN TOWN

Just Like Heaven by The Cure Peach Pit by Peach Pit

Olympia by Sundara Karma

I Was Never There by The Weeknd

Novacane by Frank Ocean

Summer by Brock Hampton

Where Did You Sleep Last Night by Nirvana

Consideration by Rihanna & SZA

BY Jackie LaPlante

Jack White

An American alternative rock band from Chicago, IL, the Smashing Pumpkins’ music is disavowed from the punk rock roots of many of their alt-rock contemporaries; they have a diverse, densely layered, guitar-heavy sound.

White will be in Portland on Aug. 11 at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Their tour comes to Portland this summer on Aug. 25 at the Moda Center.

With new release of his solo album “Boarding House Reach”, Jack White explores elements of techno and echoing voices, contrasting the rock and soul infused music from the 25 other albums he has produced with his previous bands.

Novacane

Their concerts tend to be posted at a later notice, but they guarantee concerts this summer in the Eugene area. Keep track of new events at bandcamp.com. Novacane is a small band from Eugene; they describe their music as alternative rock music implementing undertones of psychedelia and blues. An odd combination of melodies, their music hints toward experimental rock. If you are interested in concerts held at a coffee shop, Novacane might be your cup of tea.

Childish Gambino

Although he will not be touring to Oregon this summer, he will be seen in Seattle, WA on Sept. 29

. The Smashing Pumkins

Sunflower Bean is a recently popular indie band from New York. Featured in The Rolling Stone six times, their music has introduced new heights to the rock world.

They will be in Portland this summer at the Analog Theater on June 18.

Sunflower Bean

Childish Gambino is one of the most accomplished rappers of 2018 with the addition of instrumental solos in his songs. Gambino released the widely discussed music video, “This is America,” addressing the complexity of today’s racist mindset in some Americans.

Former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl’s band Foo Fighters is a hard rock band, formed in Seattle, WA. There success, being one of America’s most favorited bands, won them a Grammy for “Best Rock Album” in 2015.

Songs such as “Run” and “The Sky Is A Neighborhood” will be performed live at the Moda Center on Sept. 10

Foo Fighters

Westbound Coyote String band From Eugene, OR, the Westbound Coyote String Band consists of a banjo, an acoustic guitar, and a ukulele player. The WCS band ties

Future tour dates will be posted on their bandcamp account.

(Sandy) Alex G is generally categorized in the indie rock genre, with atmospheric white noise and some guitar solos. The Philadelphia Inquirer praised him as “a particularly gifted melody writer” who has “fuzzy, sometimes distorted songs, which hark back to slightly askew 1990s bands.”

(Sandy) Alex G will be playing June 8 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.

(Sandy) Alex G

Cravitt Creek

Cavitt Creek is located near Roseburg Oregon. The Cavitt Creek falls main attraction are the Cravitt Creek falls. Tourists and campers are able to acsess this vewing area with a little hiking. -

Juniper Lake

Juniper Lake is located just outside of Oregon on the East Coast. Activities that most visitors and tourists participate in inclue backpacking, hiking, fishing and swimming.

Happy camper

A guide to camping and a happier healthier you

BY Hailey James

BEING OUT IN NATURE and

feeling the wilderness under your feet its a true sensation. And the question is, How does this affect you mentally and physically? Does camping really make you happier and healthier?

As summer approaches and the weather gets warmer, outdoor activities become more popular, from swimming and hiking to camping and late night bonfires. Relationships flourish as people get involved with summer activities. Camping with friends and family can create stronger relationships more quickly. When you make plans to spend time with people, bonds and memories will be formed.

Sophomore Aalyia Mohamed goes camping with her family often and can recall the bonds made during the time she spends with her family. “Obviously, we bond with each other because we’re doing all of these fun activities together,” Mohamed said, “and there are no distractions.”

er Lindin Loren states, “Mentally, camping kind of makes you reset. It’s like a reset for the brain, and physically it definitely does. Especially if you add in some hiking.”

Camping every once in a while is healthy, especially for your mental and sometimes even your physical health. While camping, you engage yourself in activities that challenge your brain and physical fitness. Once you actually get out into nature, you’ll find that it’s very refreshing for your growth as a person.

“We go swimming and hiking a lot,” Mohamed said, talking about the activities she and her family participate in. “Usually by sundown my aunt makes a fire and we just sit around and talk.” These activities play into the happier, healthier you that most people strive for during the summertime.

Camping can create stronger bonds between you, your friends and family. It also creates fond memories that will be remembered throughout the years.

Mckee Bridge Campground NOE HILL

Mckee Bridge Campground is located in Jackson County. If you want a more laid back campground, this is the one for you. Theres really not much to do here, but the scenery is one tourists love.

CAMPING HOW TO’S

Camping gives you a reason to spend time with your friends and family. With no Wi-Fi or cell phone service, the opportunity for close bonds broaden. The absence of Wi-Fi and cellphone service also helps camping create a healthier, better you. Research shows that being out in nature and taking in the scenery with no distractions clears the mind of stress and worries.

“Even after a few days without technology, people were more likely to remember obscure details,” Kate Unsworth, CEO of a social media detoxing company , tells Fast Company magazine Health services teach-

Science teacher Lucas Risinger shares his favorite camping memory, hiking to the beach and watching the sun set over the ocean, peaceful and calm, then a sudden realization that may jeopardize the way Risinger and his father may get back to their campsite. “We realized we forgot our flashlight. So what we did to hike back is we just took off our shoes, and then every time you stepped off the trail you could tell.” These events create memories that make us remember summers for years to come.

Throughout the summer, participating in activities that challenge you mentally and physically can create a happy, healthy you that will, in turn, make your summer a summer to remember.

“Be enthusiastic and have a curious mindset.”

“You should definetly leave technology at home.”

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT OR.

NPS PHOTO

CAR WATCH

WILSON

All your questions about the cars on campus answered

BY Hayley-Mae Harlan ALEC

A 2002 Volkswagen Beetle, painted as a soccer ball

Owner: senior Kennedy Guilliot

Owned since eighth grade

How she got it: Grandparent’s soccer company

Favorite memory: Bringing it to soccer games

Favorite parking spot: Whatever is open

“I get a lot of stares, a lot of people whipping out their phones to take pictures of me. A lot of the kids that I coach call me ‘soccer mom’.”

CARL

A 2002 Volvo Station Wagon with bad speakers

Owner: senior Allie Jenks

Owned since she was 16

How she got it: Mom’s old car

Favorite memory: Driving with the windows down, with friends, listening to music

Favorite parking spot: Middle of the lot

“[Senior Bailey Backer] broke my lock, the sunroof is broken, and the window’s squeaky. Bailey grew up in this car when we were in kindergarten. It was a brand new car when my mom got it.”

A black, 2012 Dodge Challenger

Owner: junior Kayla Lesser

Owned since 2016

How she got it: Grandfather was a Seinfeld actor and left her money for a nice car

Favorite memory: Driving to Voodoo Donuts in Portland at 2 a.m.

Favorite parking spot: Any parallel parking spot

“People either think it’s just a car, it’s ‘only an SXT’, or it makes me a rich prick.”

THE PINK PANTHER

A pink, Lambretta moped

Owner: junior Keesen

“Lazer” Lawson

Owned since this March

How he got it: Surprise from his parents after his birthday

Favorite memory: Hitting 60 mph for the first time

Favorite parking spot: Bike rack

“Little girls really like it a lot. They giggle and laugh. Little boys are like, ‘Aren’t you a guy? Pink is a girl’s color.’

Once, I drove by a bar and there was some drunk lady, and she gave me a high five and said it was awesome.”

USED WITH PERMISSION OF ALLIE JENKS

HAYLEY-MAE HARLAN

HAYLEY-MAE HARLAN

HAYLEY-MAE HARLAN

A collection of sponsored messages for the class of 2018

GOODBYE, SENIORS

From Mom

To Mackenzie Hampl

Congratulations on your achievements!! I am proud of you and can't wait to see what the future holds!! Soar your wings baby girl!!! I love you!

From Your Family

To Curtis Allen

There’s absolutely nothing you can’t do. Get out there and change the world! We love you!

From Mom and Dad

To Riley Ker

Be strong, be courageous, and never stop running for what sets your soul on fire! We are so proud of you!

From Mama Cat

To Vada Shelby

I admire you for ignoring the haters and being yourself! Sky is the limit for you, Baby Cat! XoXo

From Uncle P-MO

To Curtis Allen

Good Onion, Curtis! You have accomplished so much and I am extremely proud of you! Quack, Quack. Congratulations!

From Papa Steve and Grandma Evie

From Chase LaPerle

You make us proud every day

Chase! Can’t wait to see what your future holds! Love you so much!

From Mom and Dad

To Kate Looney

Kate, it has been amazing to watch you grow! We can’t wait to see what your future holds.

From Mom, Dad, and Cami Meyer

To Lexi Meyer

Schmoopie, Believe in yourself like we do. Do good things and good things will happen. Don’t be a moron!

From Coach Backer

To Bailey Backer and Jacqueline Clark

So proud of the Volleyball Seniors, Bailey & Jacquelyn. You were exceptional leaders and set the bar high for future seniors!

From Mom and Dad

To Emmitt Burris

Congratulations! We are so proud of you and know you’re destined for great things. Love, Mom and Dad

From David and Shawna Warner

To Hailey Warner

To our little Turkey...Remember, Dan said “The cat whiskers come from within”. Embrace the whiskers! Love, Mom and Dad.

From Braxton, Hayley, Megan, and Patrick

To Balmeo

Thank you for the late nights, patience, and faith in our magazine. We look forward to the next year with you!

From Jason Nash

To Ruth Nash

Ruth, congratulations, attack this world with confidence and energy, and you will be successful at whatever you choose.

From West Side Espresso

To Michael Erhardt

“Life doesn’t give us purpose, we give life purpose.”--Flash. Thank you, Michael, for your invaluable service to West Side!

From Mom and Dad

To Connor Schaffner

We are so proud! You will accomplish great things in this life. The adventure is just beginning!

From Mom and Dad

To Kane Weekly

We are so incredibly proud of you and love you very much. Always be yourself and never stop dancing.

From Lane and Heidi Harris

To Chase LaPerle

You make us proud every day

Chase! Can’t wait to see what your future holds! Love you so much!

From Balmeo

To Whirlwind Seniors

From Mr. Duman

To Class of 2018

Be good kids, don’t text and drive, love your family, never tell a lie. Good luck. Godspeed. Go Bulldogs. Congrats!

You’ll always be the ones who blazed the trail. Take risks and do the hard things. It’s always worth it.