The Franklin Post

The Student News Site of Franklin High School
President Trump in front of news headlines detailing his vast executive orders. Since Trump's inauguration, he has signed countless executive orders that will impact how American youth will grow up. Photo via The Library of Congress.
Executive Orders: Trump Set to Radically Reshape Youth’s Futures
Matthew Meyers and Colin Williams from Sprague High School receiving their “first runner up” trophy at the We The People constitutional law state competition from Civics Learning Project Director Sam Kang. The team — made up of only two students, in contrast to the typical team size of around 18-36 — broke a national record by qualifying for the national tournament. Photo by Andie Petkus.
“Small but Mighty”: First-Of-A-Kind Sprague Constitutional Law Team Makes It to Nationals
The PPS Board of Education Is Up For Election
The motorized robot ‘dog’, Spot, disposes of a suspicious bag. Spot, the newest addition to the Portland Police Bureau, is primarily used by the Explosives Disposal Unit. Photo via Boston Dynamics.
Metro Area Police Agencies Introduce Advanced Robot ‘Dog’
One of the slides featured at the PPS Advocacy Training Night on Feb. 19, 2025. This slide addresses financial pressures which led to $41 million in budget cuts for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. Photo via Portland Public Schools.
Sweeping PPS Budget Cuts Threaten 228 Positions For 2025-26 School Year
Picture of notes that Franklin special education teacher Alyssa Potasznik has collected over the years. These cards show the importance that special education teachers add to the puzzle of education. Photo by Alyssa Potasznik. 
The Vital Role of Special Education: How Support Looks Different for Everyone 
Faith leaders and community members gather at Augustana Lutheran Church for a Sanctuary Service on Feb. 16, 2025. Recent changes to federal policy mean immigration enforcement officials are no longer advised to avoid protected spaces — such as churches — as best they can, fueling fear within immigrant communities. Photo by
Protected Places Challenged in New Policy
Two young people wrapped in a transgender pride flag. In the current time of uncertainty for trans rights, it is important to help trans youth feel comfortable and proud to be their authentic selves. Photo by
Supporting Transgender Youth in Trying Times 
An array of books available at Franklin’s library for students to check out, each providing information on the different ways in which food can affect our bodies. While there are many habits people pick up to become healthier, diets are one of the most common. Photo by
How Social Narratives Radically Influence Eating Disorders
Shots Fired: The Causes and Impacts of Vaccine Exemption
Jack Montaldo, a Yamhill Adult Care Home resident, enjoys a moment of comfort. As the demand for senior care rises, many older adults face challenges finding accessible and quality care. Photo by
Caring for an Aging America: The Growing Crisis in Senior Care
A stack of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) Into Literature English textbooks. PPS’ recent emphasis on the benefits of standardized English curricula raises questions about the effectiveness of textbooks and the purpose of English classes. Photo by
Standardized English Curriculums Do Not Engage Students
A beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with the city in the background. Damage to Puerto Rico’s electrical infrastructure has led to frequent blackouts that interrupt the everyday lives of residents, who are dissatisfied with how the managers of the electrical grid are addressing these issues. Photo by Alejandra Ortiz.
El Apagón: Infrastructure Damage and the Electricity Crisis in Puerto Rico
Outdoor School Student Leader: An Experience Like No Other
Pills surrounded by cash. Ongoing opioid litigation raises ethical concerns surrounding how pharmaceutical companies have placed profit over people, and how they should be held accountable for it. Photo by Çağlar Oskay via Unsplash.
A Spoonful of Accountability Makes the Medicine Go Down
An array of jerseys I own from different sports and eras. Sports jerseys have received a lot of scrutiny over the years. Photo by
The Regression In Sports Jerseys
Junior Silas Combs during a Franklin baseball game last season. Baseball is just one of the many robust spring sports programs that Franklin offers. Photo via Silas Combs. 
Franklin Spring Sports: What To Expect for 2025
The Franklin men’s volleyball team on May 21, 2024, after a meet. Men’s volleyball is new and exciting; the team encourages younger athletes who are interested to join and support the sport’s growth. Photo via Ezra Hedrick from @fhsmen_volleyball.
Ready, Set, Spike: Franklin Men’s Volleyball
Franklin’s varsity men’s tennis team at a meet last season against Liberty High School. This year, the men’s tennis team is young and eager to chase their lofty goals and aspirations. Photo by
Franklin Men’s Tennis Aims Big for 2025
A group of Franklin students, including many Storm Squad members, at a Franklin football game. Storm Squad is a club aimed at supporting fellow students and encouraging school spirit. Photo via Victoria “Vita” Westphal.
A Look at Franklin’s Storm Squad, and Where They’re Headed Next
Artist Christopher Marley works to preserve shark specimens for display. Marley uses ethically sourced animal bodies to create art that brings attention to the diversity of nature. Image via Annemarie Eayrs.
Takeaways from Christopher Marley’s “Exquisite Creatures Revealed” Exhibit
Jennifer “JJ” Jones works on one of the posters for the Agnès Varda Forever project. The brain-child of local artists, this project aims to educate people about French filmmaker Agnès Varda. Photo by Niko Courtelis.
The Best Director You’ve Never Heard of Returns to the Clinton Street Theater’s Screens
Bikes line the sidewalk leading to the Hollywood Theatre where the annual Filmed by Bike film festival is held. The festival shows about 45 bike films each year that celebrate bike joy. Photo via Alden Roth.
Filmed by Bike Shares Bike Love Through Film
One of KMHD’s many recording studios, where all things jazz, both classic and contemporary, are embraced. KMHD has gained an audience of all ages, plays music 24 hours a day, and works to embrace all music that stems from jazz. Photo by
KMHD Carries on Portland’s Rich History of Jazz
A collage of different foods — miến gà, bánh ít trần, lomo saltado, picarones, falafel, pita, Peruvian sodas, and more — over an image of the exterior of the Salt & Pepper Peruvian food cart. These foods were all ones that had never been tried by some members of the Franklin Post staff. Image by
Exploring New Cuisines In the East Portland Restaurant Scene
A Brief History of Portland: The Cold War and Its Lasting Impact
Portland Nursery’s houseplant display flourishing with vibrant greenery. With such a wide and diverse selection, there's a perfect plant for everyone. Photo by
The Best Plants to Buy If You Keep Killing Them 
Georgina, a Buff Orpington chicken, posing for a photo with her coop. Georgina makes a great pet with her delicious eggs, fertilizing poop, and caring nature. Photo by Isabel La Puente Lafrenz.
Why Chickens Make Great Pets
Paetyn Rector’s first tattoo done by Hans at Oregon City Tattoo, after turning 18 this year. Rector has fresh and firsthand experience as a new tattoo recipient and shares her experience and advice to others looking to get their first tattoo. Photo by Paetyn Rector.
A Guide To Tattoos For Young Adults
The February seasonal Raspberry Birthday Cake Sundae with Cheese & Crack’s classic vanilla soft serve, housemade birthday cake crumble, and raspberry sauce pictured in front of the menu. Cheese & Crack is a SE Portland staple, known for chocolate cowboy hats and late-night treats. Photo by
SE’s Favorite Snack: Cheese & Crack
Recognizing Our Franklin Post Seniors: Senior Superlatives
Recognizing Our Franklin Post Seniors: Senior Superlatives
How Many U.S. Senators Does It Take To Screw in a Lightbulb?
How Many U.S. Senators Does It Take To Screw in a Lightbulb?
Earth 2020
Jason 
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The Franklin Post

The Franklin Post
Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein, Editor In Chief

All content by Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
Jennifer “JJ” Jones works on one of the posters for the Agnès Varda Forever project. The brain-child of local artists, this project aims to educate people about French filmmaker Agnès Varda. Photo by Niko Courtelis.

The Best Director You’ve Never Heard of Returns to the Clinton Street Theater’s Screens

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
March 7, 2025
Jennifer “JJ” Jones works on one of the posters for the Agnès Varda Forever project. The brain-child of local artists, this project aims to educate people about French filmmaker Agnès Varda. Photo by Niko Courtelis.

The Best Director You’ve Never Heard of Returns to the Clinton Street Theater’s Screens

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
February 24, 2025
A peculiar sort of three musketeers: the authors, the stuffed hedgehog they threw at people, and a stranger — aka their victim. Asking to take a photo with this stranger is a form of rejection therapy, illustrating how easy it is to try for yourself! Photo by

Rejection Therapy: Throwing Hedgehogs to Reduce Your Anxiety

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein and Frances Vice
January 29, 2025
Steven “Steve” Smith and his son, Jack, harvesting tea in India. Smith, a Franklin alumnus, had a massive impact on the global tea industry. Photo via Kim DeMent.

Franklin Alum Steven Smith’s Legacy Lasts Oolong Time

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
December 5, 2024
Racism Targeting David Douglas Football Prompts Ongoing Investigation

Racism Targeting David Douglas Football Prompts Ongoing Investigation

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
October 30, 2024

Making Waves in the Deep Blue: Oregon’s Third-Party Voters

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein and Luke Susswood
October 2, 2024
Not Just Horsing Around: Hobby Horsing is a Real Sport

Not Just Horsing Around: Hobby Horsing is a Real Sport

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
May 22, 2024
Meet Rob Hill: Franklin’s Man of Mystery

Meet Rob Hill: Franklin’s Man of Mystery

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
April 18, 2024
Bills Are Not Bandaids: Impacts From the Strike Persist

Bills Are Not Bandaids: Impacts From the Strike Persist

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein and Luke Susswood
January 18, 2024
Blood, Sweat, and Typography: Student Journalism in PPS

Blood, Sweat, and Typography: Student Journalism in PPS

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
January 18, 2024
The Inside Scoop on the Division Street Dairy Queen

The Inside Scoop on the Division Street Dairy Queen

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
December 6, 2023
Strike Looms As PPS Unions Bargain With the District

Strike Looms As PPS Unions Bargain With the District

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein and Luke Susswood
October 31, 2023
"Bottoms": The Feminisn't Comedy of a Generation

“Bottoms”: The Feminisn’t Comedy of a Generation

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
October 4, 2023
Students Fight Book Bans for Their Right to Read

Students Fight Book Bans for Their Right to Read

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
May 25, 2023
‘No Pay? No Way!”: PPS Custodial and Nutrition Service Workers Rally for Hazard Pay

‘No Pay? No Way!”: PPS Custodial and Nutrition Service Workers Rally for Hazard Pay

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
April 19, 2023
PPS Community Faced With Difficult Decision About Law Enforcement in Schools

PPS Community Faced With Difficult Decision About Law Enforcement in Schools

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
March 13, 2023
The Debate is Getting Messi: Who’s the GOAT of Soccer?

The Debate is Getting Messi: Who’s the GOAT of Soccer?

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
February 15, 2023
The Costs and Cuts of Success: Weight Cutting in High School Wrestling

The Costs and Cuts of Success: Weight Cutting in High School Wrestling

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
January 19, 2023
Get Eggcited! We’ve Found the Ultimate Eggnog 

Get Eggcited! We’ve Found the Ultimate Eggnog 

Annalise Shorb and Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
December 8, 2022
As Gun Violence Escalates, PPS Safety Measures Expand

As Gun Violence Escalates, PPS Safety Measures Expand

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
December 8, 2022
Fentanyl Epidemic Pervades Oregon Communities

Fentanyl Epidemic Pervades Oregon Communities

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
November 3, 2022
Oregon Looks to Follow Suit After California Bans New Gas Powered Car Sales by 2035

Oregon Looks to Follow Suit After California Bans New Gas Powered Car Sales by 2035

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
October 6, 2022
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Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein