The Franklin Post

The Student News Site of Franklin High School
The Portland Art Museum’s Mark Rothko Pavilion and East Plaza. The newly constructed pavilion is part of a decade-long vision for the museum’s future. Photo by Jeremy Bittermann.
Portland Art Museum Expansion and Renovation
An old recycling bin sitting in the dirt. The Recycling Modernization Act hopes to create an improved recycling system in Oregon. Photo by Michael Halle.
A New Era of Recycling in Oregon
Graphic of Portland Public Schools’ (PPS) 2025 enrollment statistics. PPS has 700 fewer students this school year than in the 2024-25 school year. Graphic via Richard Smith.
Portland Public Schools Continues to Face Declining Enrollment
Former Vice President Kamala Harris speaking on stage. Harris sat down for a conversation in front of a sold-out Portland crowd as part of her “107 Days” book tour, which chronicles her 2024 presidential campaign. Photo by Shawnte Sims via Literary Arts.
Kamala Harris Speaks in Portland as Part of ‘107 Days’ Tour
Longtime Sunnyside Shower Project visitor Brent Lee sits outside after his shower. Located on the corner of SE 35th Ave. and Yamhill St., the Shower Project offers free showers and other services to homeless people. Photo by Jake Lubin.
Sunnyside Shower Project Treats Hygiene as a Human Right
Federal Judge Blocks National Guard Deployment in Portland
Federal Judge Blocks National Guard Deployment in Portland
A classroom for ages 3 to 6 at Frog Song Montessori Preschool, with short shelves and small desks sized for the children. Montessori school gives students a unique amount of choice from a very young age, which can help to foster both engagement in daily activities and long-lasting creativity and independence. Photo via Elizabeth Bartko.
Tiny Shelves and Balsa Wood: The Impact of Montessori
Demonstrators outside the Portland Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility on S Macadam Ave. on Oct. 18. The Sept. 28 memo calling 200 members of Oregon’s National Guard into 60 days of federal service by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has sparked disputes in the courts and on the streets. Photo by Jake Lubin.
Harper’s Playground: Fostering Connection Through Inclusion
A collection of books, translated into English from Spanish, Italian, German, Hungarian, Turkish, Russian, and Ancient Greek. Translators do invaluable work, ensuring that books are accessed by new audiences. Photo by Charlotte Hanscom.
The Hidden Art of Translation
Members of People of Color Outdoors (POCO) posing for a photo after hiking, camping, and bird watching at Camp Kiwanilong. POCO is a nonprofit organization aimed at reducing the fear and intimidation that people of color can feel in outdoor spaces. Photo by Cleo Craig.
Cultivating Equity on Oregon Trails: Pamela Slaughter and the Story of POCO
A community mural on a staircase in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, that showcases the original Puerto Rican flag — a symbol of resistance to colonization — which has light blue instead of navy blue. This flag represents the importance of Puerto Rico’s culture and self-determination. Photo by Kate DeWeese.
‘LA MuDANZA’: Bad Bunny and the Importance of the Puerto Rican Independence Movement
Megan Whisnand’s sixteen-year-old leopard gecko, Dot. Leopard geckos are one of the most commonly bought reptiles. Photo by Finn Burton.
What You Should Know Before Buying an Exotic Pet
Franklin alumnae Frances Vice and Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein being their complete authentic selves. Their personalities may be loud, but this doesn’t get in the way of a great friendship. Photo by Elizabeth Kirsch.
Feel Dissimilar Around Different People? Here’s Why
A person holds a pride-themed bracelet behind his back. Casual homophobia, though often unconscious, can still be harmful and reinforce prejudice. Photo via Lila MacKenzie.
When You Say ‘That’s So Gay,’ Do You Realize What You Say?
The Lone Fir Cemetery at dusk. Human mortality is inevitable, but this scenic graveyard represents light and tranquility among death. Photo by Sofie Salewsky.
Mortality and Making the Most Out of Our Lives
Denise Williams and Maiden Hayter getting game play advice from 7th grade Franklin Gray Youth Volleyball Coach, Teri Joseph. Franklin PIL Youth Sports has been a great introduction to a competitive environment and builds experience for young students. Photo by Eleanor Harper.
Community and Experience: How PIL Youth Franklin Volleyball Prepares for High School
A group of ice skaters at the Lloyd Center Ice Rink. Ice skating is a fun and often underrated activity for all ages; local ice rinks, like the Lloyd Center Ice Rink, make it accessible for Portlanders. Photo by Easton Atlansky.
Cold Feet, Warm Hearts
The view of an Arsenal game inside Beulahland, a popular sports bar in Portland. Beulahland shows every Arsenal game of the season, attracting staggering crowds each time. Photo by Evie Bell.
The Premier League and America’s Growing Soccer Obsession
Then McKay High School head coach Conor Mullany coaching a basketball game at McKay High School. Mullany is Franklin’s new head varsity boys’ basketball coach. Photo via Conor Mullany.
Boys’ Basketball Overhaul: New Staff and Varsity Team
A group of elementary-aged children come together to cheer during a Rose City Futsal youth camp. Rose City Futsal hosts a variety of camps, tournaments, and leagues for athletes of all ages and skill levels. Photo via Joe Lescher
Rose City Futsal: Encouraging Play Through a Community
Lorde struts down the stage in a simple white T-shirt and ripped jeans, performing “Hammer,” from her newest album, “Virgin.” Lorde performed her new album along with some of her other previous hits to a nearly sold out Moda Center on Oct. 21. Photo by Cleo Craig.
The Ultrasound of Growing Up; Lorde Echoes Honesty in Portland
A collection of CDs of popular Elliott Smith albums, consisting of “Elliott Smith,” “New Moon,“ and “Either/Or.” Smith’s music impact has continued long past his death, especially on the people of Portland. Photo by Kai Blanchard-Ambrose
Elliott Smith: An Artist’s Lasting Impact on Music and People in Portland
A glimpse of the stage and actors from Franklin’s fall musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone.” The vibrant costumes and distinct set design capture the lively essence of this performance. Photo by Scar Dickerson.
‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ Comes to Life at Franklin
Kelly Reichardt’s “The Mastermind” movie poster at Cinema 21. The film depicts themes of irony and nuance. Photo by Anya Samoheyl.
New Film “The Mastermind” Solidifies Filmmaker’s Acclaim for Empathy in Film
Journals, books, and scraps of paper are scattered around an open computer displaying a document titled “Chapter 1.” Many teens have an interest in writing, but it can be challenging to get started with limited experience or support. Photo by Margot Atchison.
Plot Twist: Teens Can Be Published Authors
A procession of students carry their hall passes — an original, a paper pass, and a wooden bird — through Franklin. An essential part of student-hood at the school, hall passes can show a range of creativity. Photo by Ramila Ali.
Creativity, Mischief Abound in Franklin’s Hall Passes
Foliage covering the ground. As the season turns over a new leaf, the rain soaked soil gets covered by a colorful blanket of fallen leaves. Photo by Hailey Adalean.
The Emotional Effects Falling Through Autumn
Billy the pitbull at a puppy yoga class hosted by Portland-based dog rescue organization One Tail at a Time PDX (OTAT PDX). Puppy yoga has recently gained popularity as a social media phenomenon, but OTAT PDX gives it a purpose that goes deeper than its aesthetic appeal. Photo by Bob Clark.
Yoga For a Cause, Relax With Rescue Dogs
A stray cat trapped by PDX Cat Trapper, a cat trapping and rescue organization in Portland, OR. Trapped cats are taken in for neutering and vaccinations, and are often found to be suffering from fleas, sickness, or injuries. Photo via Karen Jealous.
Cat Trappers Aid in Kitty Crisis
Inflatable Halloween decorations outside of Hawthorne Gardens Senior Living Community. Seeing colorful decorations can help senior residents feel happy and excited for the holidays. Photo by Grace Blaschke.
How Senior Communities Keep the Holiday Spirit Alive
Recognizing Class of 2025: Senior Superlatives
Recognizing Class of 2025: Senior Superlatives
Top 10 Things To Do Before You Graduate
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

The Franklin Post

The Franklin Post
Will Lowe

Will Lowe, News Editor + Website Manager

All content by Will Lowe
A person posing at a furry convention with a furry head of a dog on. Furries are one of many forms of self-expression often targeted by cringe culture despite being harmless. Photo by @grubthebugdog on Instagram.

The Harmless and the Hateful: Cringe Culture’s Ableist Implications

Will Lowe
May 14, 2025
A view over Hawthorne at sunset, showing the life of Portland. In recent years Portland has become a safe haven for individuals of diverse backgrounds during times of advocacy. Photo by Will Lowe.

A Brief History of Portland: Civil Rights, Freedoms, and Liberties

Will Lowe
April 10, 2025

A Brief History of Portland: The Cold War and Its Lasting Impact

Will Lowe
March 7, 2025
A petition booth opposing labor camps that forced migration. Portland experienced many changes and growth throughout the Great Depression and World War II, many of which will be highlighted in this cycle’s “A Brief History.” Photo via Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

A Brief History of Portland: Fighting, Fascism, and Fear 

Will Lowe
January 29, 2025
Photo Caption: Biplanes flying over downtown Portland in 1920. The most popular plane of World War I, biplanes were used throughout the First World War and into the 1930s. Photo by C.S. Woodruff, accessed through the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.

A Brief History of Portland: The Progressive Era

Will Lowe
December 5, 2024
Donald J. Trump’s official portrait from his first election in 2016, published in 2017. Trump will officially be sworn in as the 47th President on Jan. 20, 2025, after defeating Kamala Harris in November. Photo via the Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.

Promises of the 47th President of the United States

Audrey Lynch and Will Lowe
December 5, 2024
A drawing of a bird's eye view of Portland from 1879. Created by E. S. Glover, this map shows the early landscape of the developing city. Photo via the Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division.

A Brief History of Portland: The Start of a State 

Will Lowe
October 30, 2024
A whiteboard with a cutout of an orange t-shirt with black handprints stating “every child matters.” Sept. 30, is a nationally recognized day to honor, acknowledge, and bring awareness to residential schools in America; on this day everybody is encouraged to wear orange in solidarity. Photo by

A Brief History of Portland: Oregon’s Indigenous People

Will Lowe
October 2, 2024
New Literary Arts Building in Southeast Portland

New Literary Arts Building in Southeast Portland

Will Lowe
May 22, 2024
Five Percent of the Way to a Music Millennium

Five Percent of the Way to a Music Millennium

Will Lowe
April 18, 2024
Confidential Advocates: An Underutilized and Underrecognized Resource

Confidential Advocates: An Underutilized and Underrecognized Resource

Will Lowe
March 6, 2024
An Apocalyptic Amount of Choices in the Apocalypse

An Apocalyptic Amount of Choices in the Apocalypse

Will Lowe
January 18, 2024
The Resurgence of the “Hunger Games” Franchise

The Resurgence of the “Hunger Games” Franchise

Will Lowe and Jesse Miller
January 18, 2024
Spider-Man: Into the Revolution of Animated Films

Spider-Man: Into the Revolution of Animated Films

Will Lowe
December 6, 2023
Hats On or Off? A Hat-tastic Dialogue

Hats On or Off? A Hat-tastic Dialogue

Will Lowe
October 30, 2023
Canada Warns Their 2SLGBTQ+ Citizens Traveling to America

Canada Warns Their 2SLGBTQ+ Citizens Traveling to America

Will Lowe
October 4, 2023
LGBTQ+ Wellness Night

LGBTQ+ Wellness Night

Will Lowe
May 25, 2023
How Franklin Teacher Dylan Cohen Makes Math Fun

How Franklin Teacher Dylan Cohen Makes Math Fun

Will Lowe
April 19, 2023
Ways to Improve Our “Already Perfect School”

Ways to Improve Our “Already Perfect School”

Will Lowe
March 13, 2023
Misogyny in Star Wars

Misogyny in Star Wars

Will Lowe
March 13, 2023
Oregon’s 2023 Legislative Session has Begun 

Oregon’s 2023 Legislative Session has Begun 

Will Lowe
February 15, 2023
How to be (Minty) Fresh With Your Gum Choices

How to be (Minty) Fresh With Your Gum Choices

Will Lowe and Annalise Shorb
January 19, 2023
The Swim Team, Athletes Without a Field or Court

The Swim Team, Athletes Without a Field or Court

Will Lowe
January 19, 2023
Good Things in the World

Good Things in the World

Will Lowe
December 8, 2022
Solar Panels, What Are They? Why Are They Important?

Solar Panels, What Are They? Why Are They Important?

Will Lowe
November 3, 2022

A Brief History of Metal

Will Lowe
October 6, 2022
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