Image provided by: West Linn High School; West Linn, OR
About The amplifier. (West Linn, Oregon) 1921-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 2008)
Photo Essay May 2008 with m em orial Seniors in the Cultural Opportunity Renaissance Experience, or CORE, were divided into groups, provided a mentor for guidance, and let loose for five weeks to make a difference inside and outside the community. Projects ranged from raising money for the West Linn K9 Police unit, putting on a middle school dance to raise money for Africa, and raising money for stuffed animals to give to Doernbecher Children's Hospital patients. Seniors in the Environmental Construction Group consisted of Alexandria Namhie, Gavin Pugsley, Robert Shternberg, Eric Shulte, Spencer Smith, Charles Steele and Makenna Wheeler. Their project was focused on creating a memorial. With the help of their mentor, Ken Worcester, City Parks Director, and donations from the West Linn Park and Recreation Department, the group built a memorial at Fields Bridge Park featuring a fire pit and benches to honor Thomas Earhart and Daniel Sawyer, seniors, who were killed in an auto accident in November. Photos by Mafia Chong Andrew Gracianette lifts a wheel barrow of top soil. Additional members of CORE were asked to help and took a field trip during second and third periods. Eric Schulte and Charles Steele, seniors, help place the fire pit with the help of mentor Ken Worcestor. The group wanted an outdoor place where people could congregate while still serving its purpose as a commemoration of the lives of Dan and Tom. Nicolas Michels and Charles Steele mix cement for the base of the fire pit. The West Linn Parks and Recreation Department was crucial in helping the group fund and organize the service project. Alex Namhie smooths out top soil over the newly planted rose bushes. She and others in CORE played a crucial role in planting the greenery. Lauren Bushnell, Destiny Schroyer and Dana Bush transport the rose bushes to the park. The group chose to plant native species, like rose bushes, into their memorial garden not only for looks but also for sustainability.