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
The entrance to Mt. Scott Learning Center (MSLC). MSLC is currently raising funds for a new youth center, which would allow the organization to serve more students and function as a community meeting space. Photo by Naomi Granek Brown.
Portland Alternative School Fundraises for Expansion
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
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
A.S. Byatt’s “Possession” Dares the Reader to Keep Up
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?

The Franklin Post

The Franklin Post
Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein, Editor In Chief

All content by Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
Red Van Grow, a local artist, basks in Portland sunshine. Although it’s known for rain, Portland brightens in May. Photo by Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein.

Portland’s Efforts to Rebuild Highlight the City’s Values

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
May 14, 2025
PPS students at the 2025 District Student Summit. The summit is a chance for students from all over the district to share experiences and ideas. Photo via Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein

[Photo] District-Wide School Events are Vital to Inspiring Students

Lenore Myers
April 10, 2025
One of the eight Sherwood cabins that were recently reconstructed. As Camp Namanu — literally — opens new windows in these cabins, Camp Fire Columbia is likely going to be forced to shutter theirs. Photo Credit: Photo via Gina Sander.

Camp Namanu Survives Financial Struggles and Program Cuts at Camp Fire Columbia

Frances Vice and Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
April 10, 2025
Caption: Teens surround a secret stash of alcohol. High schoolers have found a variety of ways to access the drug. Photo via Anonymous.

Peers, Parties, Parents, and Plugs: A Look Into the World of Teen Drinking

Francesca “Frankie” Silverstein
April 10, 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
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