Image provided by: West Linn High School; West Linn, OR
About The amplifier. (West Linn, Oregon) 1921-current | View Entire Issue (March 1, 2009)
News moo9 Thespians, musicians, scientists win honors ivi V n Staff Reporter Katherine Millage, seniors, were regional finalists as a comedic duo. Other regional finalist were Pantomime competitors Alexandra Mink, junior, Reis Mahnic and Jenelle Barzola, seniors, and Group Musical Theatre finalists Altishin, Olson, Alyssa Aramaki, Casey Students brought home numerous honors this past month at the Regional Acting Competition, Three Rivers League Solo Contest and Science Bowl. Actors placed high in categories including solo acting, duo acting, pantomime and 111 musical theatre, and musicians rocked wind instruments and the violin. Science Bowl competitors placed in the top six of 64 teams. One victory from the Regional Acting Competition was the first place Solo Novice win of Ailish Duff, Avilash Cramer, junior, works on homework for his Independent Study AP U.S. History Class. freshman. In most categories, Cramer was,a part °.f 41,6 five' person team which , . won sixth place at the Science Bowl, being m the Sean ler top 10 percent qualifies the Crawford, Andra Sturtevant actors to progress to State, and Corbin Wescott, seniors, but only the first place Hannah Bradford, Hannah winner in Solo Novice Stout and Lucy Walker, receives that honor. juniors, Samantha Forsey, "It was really surprising. Michael Johnson a n d A n n a 1 didn't expect [to winj but Stapleton, sophomores, lm honored to have been and Emily Axelrod, chosen and I'm very excited Thomas Olson and William about going to State," Duff Sturtevant, freshmen. said. The cast of Picasso at the Other solo acting winners Lapin Agile will perform at include Melissa Andre' the Oregon State Thespian and Caitlyn Olson, seniors, Conference as one of only who were State qualifiers, three plays that were and Christopher Daniels, chosen. Videos of plays senior, and Avery Breyne- were submitted from high Cartwright, junior, who schools all over the state in were regional finalists. hopes of being chosen for Teamwork in acting the April conference at the also proved successful Hult Center in Eugene. at the competition. Two "The cast will perform dramatic duos of Olson and in front of almost 1,000 Johanna Hanson, senior, Thespians and the crew and Nick Altishin, senior, will have the opportunity and Breyne-Cartwright to work in a union house. were State qualifiers. Although we love our West Catherine d'Autremont and Linn audience, there is no more appreciative, excited audience than a bunch of theatre kids," Jessica Murray, director, said. " Our Tech Director, Jon Ares, has toured professionally so he'll be a great guide in this process." Musicians also found success in their TRL competition. Flute winners included Jenny Cooper, junior, who came in second place and Rachel Metzler and Sarah Lord, sophomores, who came in third and fourth place, respectively. Troy Cornelius, sophomore, Sarah Melancon, freshman, and Helen Farrell, junior, came in second, third and fifth places for the bassoon. Other TRL winners were Kendra Heath, senior, who came in third place for clarinet; Nathan Aden, junior, who came in fourth place for alto saxophone; Alyssa Walhood, sophomore, who came in second place for French horn and Samantha Ing, sophomore, who came in Bailey settles into school, community; enjoys spending time meeting students L ark P orrera Staff Reporter With the first semester coming to a close, Lou Bailey, Principal, has now had time to settle comfortably. "The first semester was my learning curve. It was getting to know the nuances of this place," Bailey said. "The best part of my day is when I'm out of this office or out of a meeting and I'm out wherever, where what I call my real clients [students] are." By spending time in the hallways during break and lunch, as well as attending many sports and fine arts events, Bailey has done just that, earning a positive reputation with students, staff and community members in the process. When he moved into the position at the beginning of the school year, many people wondered what he would do as the school's new leader. With 15 Advanced Placement courses, test scores exceeding the state average by as much as 32% and high marks from the leading school rating web sites such as city-data, com and greatschools.net, expectations were high. "I think he has done is coming junior, said. His efforts to connect with students have bridged gaps in student- administration relations. "My impression is that kids feel really comfortable talking with him. Which I think is a good thing," Barb Murray, English teacher, said. Not only has he brought a n ew attitu d e to b e in g p rin cip al, he is looking to create more opportunities for students. He backs the idea of zero periods, 'which would allow students more choice in both the classes Lou Bailey, principal, converses with Patrick they could take D'Arcy, senior, about college basketball. as well as when Bailey often spends break and lunch in the they would take hallways talking to students about their them. Bailey also interests, building bonds with the student body. Photo by Mark Popper! hopes to introduce a student senate which would a good job keeping up involve both staff and with school spirit; going students. Spirit is also big to sporting events and activities," Stephanie Kruger, on Bailey's list of to-do's. He believes that it is an important component to the school and needs to be developed further. "I would like to see a little more school spirit. I think that between visual and performing arts programs and athletic programs I would like to see more student involvement in terms of an audience," Bailey said. "It's on us to advertise and for the students its to attend." With the goals of communication and student involvement Bailey seeks to improve the school as a whole. With several more months until the year is over, and more years to come, Bailey hopes to realize his dreams with the help of the 1684 Willamette Falls Drive WLHS community. , In times of stress do you have someone you can talk to? Someone with life experience? If your are: o Depressed o Fighting with mom and dad o Having problems with peers at school o Can’t stop partying Text,Call or Email Donny 503-320-9190 | wrightcounseling@comcastnet # third place for violin. The sixth place win at the Science Bowl came from the five-person team of Alissa Greenberg, Zachary Hansen, Matthew Kirsch and Avi Levy, seniors, and Avilash Cramer, junior. Levy was also awarded an All-Star award for being one of the top competitors. "I was happy that our team had a really broad knowledge base so we could answer various questions, but we didn't have depth this year," Levy said. Wright Counseling and Consultation Services LLC. étions, mental health and consultation services
