Image provided by: West Linn High School; West Linn, OR
About The amplifier. (West Linn, Oregon) 1921-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 1, 2007)
News 2007 'Crystal Darkness' stirs students' emotions u N icholas A rntz ____________ Copy Editor "Where do you go when you have nothing left?" is one of the questions posed by a former crystal methamphetamine user in the documentary, "Crystal Darkness." The 30 minute commercial- free video aired on all six of Portland's commercial broadcast stations on Oct. 9. The program portrayed the real-life consequences of using meth, how it destroys your relationships, and how it caused each of the users to contemplate suicide while using. Some student reactions to the video were: "The fact that many of the drug users were "A " students and people almost out of college was hard to believe. "You are signing a contract and entering a dark portal when you take meth for the first time/ Some described it as a deep dark pit that you can't get out of." — William Maurer, freshman "After watching "Crystal Darkness," I am even more persuaded that I am not going to get myself involved in not just methamphetamines, but in any type of drug or anything similar. My parents always tell me not to get caught up in those things, but this was visual proof that when they give me their lectures, they are trying to protect me instead of put me to sleep. The pictures of the teeth and gums will remain in my head for some time. My mom would kill me if after $5,000 worth of braces, I just ruined them like that by using meth. However, I know that there would be a much larger consequence for taking any drug, and that my teeth would be the least of my problems." —Ryan Scott-Deeter, freshman "Everyone's faceless and everyone's the same. Everyone turns into the drug, and loses themselves. The first time trying meth, for anyone, is an endless vortex, a hole. An addict loses their conception of time." —Jessica Foster, senior "Depression, holes in your skin and mouth, eaten cartilage, personality loss/change, loss of friends, family, loved ones, and loss of your mind. All of this just for a high? How selfish can they be to affect their health and others around them just to get the 'greatest' high around? After seeing the program I went on the awareness web site associated with the showing and it is clear that they offer support to the people who need it. So it really confuses me why people who are on the drug do not get help if they really want to turn their life around. Some of the pictures are engraved in my mind, such as the holes in people's faces. Why would anyone do this?" —Brandon Bisson, freshman "[The children] part saddened me the most out of the whole program because it is so depressing to think that many babies have to fend for themselves while their parents go off and do drugs, not caring about anything but having meth. It made me think, where do these kids go afterwards? mm n a tu ra l products featuring w axing and facials th a t incorporate shin nourishing elements and beautifying products from around the worlds Student PEDICURE: 520 Student MANICURE: 512 w/ free Nail A r t Design Plus, an additional 20% OFF ( 503 ) 607-2 CARE .. Located a t 101 S. State Suite # 160G: Near Albertsons, Noafi Bagels and Taco Bell What if they don't have a family that they can go live with, would they have to live in an orphanage? It baffles me how people can make such wrong decisions in life." —Emma Davis, freshman "First time meth users Blood become something that can only be described as a different person, someone with no coherent morals. With such a strong addiction, after one hit a person's life can be shaken. After just one hit, lives get ruined." —James Mesplay, will save many C alley L athrop Staff Reporter Some people may not think high schoolers can make a difference, let alone save a life. But that’s exactly what happened on Oct. 17, when 129 students participated in the Red Cross Blood Drive. Students each gave one pint of blood, which, on average, will save three lives. Because of those donations, 387 people will be given a second chance. This year, the Red Cross challenged West Linn to donate 130 pints. Although donations fell one pint short, the administration still considered the goal met. "The Red Cross was very impressed with how smoothly things went and with our students here. I was told by a few workers that this is their favorite place to come and work a blood drive. I feel very proud of that. We do have quality young people here and a quality staff that molds them," Julie McLeod, health teacher, said. The Blood Drive was spearheaded by seniors Eli Groman and Alexa Swanson. ASB advertised the drive and provided assistance during the event. Posters were placed throughout the school, and several students dressed up as giant blood drops and travelled the school. According to McLeod, if you were too young or too small, or just didn't get the memo, there will be another blood drive in the spring. Unlike canned food or cash donations, giving blood is giving the gift of life. Search for new principal begins Hm principal continued from page 1 "They need to have a sense of the modem school," Woehl said. With the advanced technology being used in school every day, they also need to be comfortable with the rapid expansion of electronic resources. The administration should be an active part of the community and school events. Under Noah's tenure, parent volunteer help has steadily increased. "The high school is a central part of the community; a unifying piece of the town where people come together, like football games," Noah said. Once the final applicants have been chosen, they will sit down at a one-on-one with Woehl. They will also go through at least two hours of interviews. Two interview boards consisting of students, staff and parents will each separately interview the candidates Following this, the groups will compare notes on strengths and weaknesses of each candidate and the different aspects they liked and disliked about each of them. Two or three of the applicants will be chosen to come back for a half day interview with the administration and the school board. After narrowing it down to one or two people of particular interest, someone will be sent to observe them at work in their current position. They will be evaluated on their charisma and their relationships with the staff and students and. Noah says she will miss the school and it will be hard to see someone new take over. She has accomplished what she wanted to see done in the school and is prepared to let someone else's vision lead. As a part of the transition process, Noah will help them get acquainted with the systems and community before she leaves. Unplanned Pregnancy? You Deserve to KNOW: ..Are you really pregnant? ...Have you explored all your options? ..A re all your questions answered? I» i ******** h tfn e v y «t Vfctte IkVnM CvMHU All Service« Free MIUMAUKK t u t » M. Cwm’wnio.nt (tour* Htcrmny in n MHwinta» •MUHMAIM t k *M *t * * « C i* * * * » • t i**. 4 ’ t f * * 4 t * * H * • • U H A t*» *
