Image provided by: West Linn High School; West Linn, OR
About The amplifier. (West Linn, Oregon) 1921-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 1, 2009)
# 0 0 9 ________________ _______ News__ __________ 3 Gas prices increase sharply after recent tumble u A shley S heron ___________ Staff Reporter Gas prices went up nearly 26 cents in December in Oregon, according to the American Automobile Association. The average price for a gallon of regular has gone up more than 10 cents this last week. Oregon's national ranking for highest gas prices has jumped from 12th to ninth, according to The Oregonian. Despite the increases, drivers are still paying the lowest prices in nearly five years with the Oregon and the national averages at the lowest point since Feb. 2004. A year ago, Oregon's average price for gas was $3.11 and in recent months the prices have dropped dramatically. Prices have gone as low as $1.74, which is a significant decrease and welcome change for most people. However, in the past month, prices have been back on the rise. "Honestly I kind of expected the gas prices to rise; you just have to save your money while they're low so you can spend when they're back up." Reis Mahnic, senior, said. Crude oil is currently at $49 per barrel which is an increase of about $9 in the past week. According to the Portland Tribune, eventually the return of a more peaceful situation in the Middle East and the welcoming of a new president will probably make oil and gasoline prices decline over the next few weeks. Although there has been an increase in gas prices, Oregon remains at its lowest gas prices in about five years, according to The Oregonian. "I've been able to fill up my 12 gallon car for $27," Katherine Konen, sophomore, said. In the Lake Oswego-West Linn area gas prices range from $1.94-2.01. The lowest gas price in West Linn is $1.93 at the 2115 8th Ct. Chevron Station. 12 Month Average Retail Price Chart Regular Gas Regular Gas Price (US $/G) 4.28 4.02 3.76 3.50 3.24 2.98 2.72 2.47 2.21 1.95 1.69 2009 Date (Monthfflay) India Night, which took place on Jan. 17, was a huge success according to Todd Jones, Model U.N. advisor. The club raised $2050 in ticket sales. After $800 of expenses, a total of $1200 was raised to offset the cost of the state Model U.N. conference this spring. Erin Axelrod , senior, Sarani Cha tterjee, sophomore, Avi Levi, senior, Rohini Deb, senior, Neelou Etesami, junior, Alison Fieldhouse, sophomore, Alissa Greenberg, senior, Marie Kerkstoel, freshman, Taylor Nowlin, senior, Neil Rajput, senior, Allyssa Wood, freshman, Jennifer Sitton, sophomore, and Anik Shrestha, junior, were all involved in planning and preparing for the evening. This chart (www.gasbuddy.com) shows the average regular gas price in Oregon from 2008-2009. While not as high as they were in the summer of 2008, prices are once again on the rise. After stressful week of finals, it's time to refresh body, mind T amra S chelot Staff R eporter S tre ss is lin k e d to th e leading causes of death—heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide. Last year ASB took on this problem by creating a week just for de stressing, replacing the more traditional Spirit Week, and they are planning to repeat the event this year. "Being stressed is like getting your blood drawn, it drains you, and I hate needles," Gabriel Welp, senior, said. Staff members also feel the effects. "When it gets to the end of incorporated into the week th e se m e ste r I ca n rea lly feel th e stress an d a n x iety lev el la st year. "W e're really h o p in g to rise and that's what stresses me out," Steve Schramm, math teacher, said. During the week of Feb. 23-27 there will be a variety of activities aimed at helping people to relax and refresh. Last year back massages were offered during lunch, green tea was provided in the morning and yoga classes were held at lunch. A 10 second scream, a 50 second silence and a black-light dance were all go all out this year," Avary Kolasinski, senior and ASB Public Relations, said. This year the theme is Vacation Destinations, and each porch will be decorated according to different tropical paradises such as Hawaii, Mexico and Jamaica. Rejuvenation Week was an original concept that was well received by students and staff. Last year over 3 /4 of the student body participated and this year ASB hopes to have 100 percent participation. "The school was really awesome with all the decorations. I loved walking in with the windows painted and the interesting ways they chose to do it and I think it really did relax the students here," Karina Dewart, senior, said. "Decorating takes a lot of time, like three whole days, but in the end it is totally worth it," Sara Sebastian, senior and ASB Activities Director, said of the paper waterfalls, trees and posters which decorated the school. While proposed activities including massages and yoga are planned, suggestions are still being solicited. If any students have suggestions for Rejuvenation Week, ASB members encourage you to talk to any of the them or to e-mail to Samantha Hanlin, ASB President, at hanlins@ wlhs.wlwv.kl2.or.us. Erin Axelrod, senior, Rohini Deb, senior, Taylor Nowlin, senior, Neelou Etesami, junior, Alissa Greenberg, senior and Kendall Jorgensen, junior, perform a traditional Indian Dance during India Night on Jan. 17. India Night served as a fundraiser for WLHS's Model U.N. club. Students show off the henna tattoos they received during India Night. The evening included a traditional Indian dinner, performances by various WLHS students and a short Indian movie clip. Kelsey Guerins, j unior, Ann Bernert, sophomore, Kayla Nowlin, junior, Kathryn Flyte, junior, Erin Morrow, sophomore and Monet Meyer, junior, pose in front of an Indian backdrop that included a life-size Ghandi cutout. Photos courtesy of Anik Shrestha
