![Smiling with Parkway North seniors Sarah Ham and Alison Lam (second and third from right), eight West state qualifiers hold up the iconic DECA symbol. The program has connected over 7,000 high schoolers, giving students the opportunity to network and expand their social circle. “Getting along with people that might be different from you is the most important part of DECA. You learn things about people that you originally wouldnt talk to, and its nice to know how to work with other people [as well as] make new friends in a different area,” junior Laya Krishnakumar said. Courtesy of Laya Krishnakumar](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_7918-1200x675.jpg)
![Latin students pose for a group photo in front of historical ruins in Italy. From March 13 to March 23, the Latin department traversed cities in Italy to immerse students in an educational experience of a lifetime. “I enjoyed being able to learn about the different cultures. [The trip] encouraged me to see other peoples lifestyle and learn more about different histories,” senior Suraiya Saroar said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PXL_20240318_092633493.jpg)
![Members of concert band work to play the soaring melodies of Crowns of Glory by Jack Wilds during their winter concert. Because of the pieces difficulty, the band had to work together extra diligently to make it sound concert-ready. [Band has] helped me [with] teamwork because its not just an individual thing. The whole group has to be put together to make something amazing, Concert Band member and sophomore Ella Bruner said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/unnamed-3-1-1200x800.jpg)
![From Jan. 22 through Feb. 1, Parkway West High is displaying a wide array of art pieces made by students ranging from elementary to high school. All classes were represented on the displays in both the art wing and the main foyer of the school. “[Art] benefits me because in the middle of a busy day. I can just relax and have some fun doing art and it makes me happy. I think its important that you show art in the art show so that people can get inspired by it and be inspired to create their own pieces; it’s really impactful,” sophomore Dhiya Prasanna said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/image1-1200x800.jpg)
![Moviegoers smile for a picture after watching the Bollywood movie “3 Idiots.” The event ran from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, March 9 and was open to students across the Parkway School District. “I decided to come to the movie night because I wanted to introduce my non-Indian friends to the rich culture and entertainment of Bollywood. One of my favorite parts [of the night] was the combination of [the] amazing food and the pure comedic entertainment. [It] was unmatched,” sophomore Aryan Allu said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_5479-e1710180016483-1200x900.jpg)
![Senior Kylie Secrest volunteers at the blood drive signup table.The table provided students aged 16 and up with information about the drive and assisted them in the signup process. “We decorated the stand in the lunchroom with heart related or red decorations from either Dollar Tree or Five Below,” Secrest said. “This year was my first year doing [the blood drive] and it was fun. I got to be able to meet new people and help out the community.”](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image2-1200x800.jpg)
![Performing a dance, athletes wave their pompoms in the air as special education teacher Wendy Zieleskiewicz stands behind them. Zielesckiewicz, who has been teaching for 25 years, didn’t know what she wanted to pursue until she remembered her love for children. She now sees her students benefiting from Special Olympics. “Its really fun to see [athletes] grow. [Special Olympics is] incredible — Its high energy, its a lot of fun. Its cool to see the kids all working together and having a good time. They make connections with other students, [and] its amazing to see how much fun they have. I hope that they can make and maintain relationships with people that are not in this classroom. I always encourage [my students] to participate [in Special Olympics] because it is a lot of fun and even if they dont make a best friend, you still have an opportunity to grow,” Zieleskiewicz said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/unnamed-5-1200x798.jpg)
![Smiling widely, Principal John McCabe congratulates English teacher and English Department head Shannan Cremeens on winning the 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year title. Sophomore Cooper Oswald was a witness to the celebration. “We were all pretty excited. We were all clapping and standing up. We even [got to] take a picture with her,” Oswald said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/TOYvertical-1200x954.png)
![English teacher Leslie Lindsey smiles for a photo behind her desk. Growing up, Lindsey participated in many things outdoors, learning life skills that she still uses today. “I loved fishing and was never grossed out by it. I could get my hands dirty and spend time outside; even when it was cold, I didnt care. Fishing takes a lot of patience, and that is [now] a virtue of mine because I have great patience that translates into my classroom,” Lindsey said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_6632-1-e1712758336310-1200x983.jpeg)
![Each year, as temperatures start to rise, students await the coveted spring break, a week-long vacation taking place from March 16-24. Students and staff appreciated the respite from school and the sunny weather that came along with it. “I enjoyed traveling as a way to spend spring break [and] have a last trip with my family before college. I wish spring break was a little longer so I could have spent more time and not have a quick turnaround coming back to school,” senior Norah Rutkowski said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Spring-break-Shenanigans-1-1200x800.png)
![Senior Dana Zafarani poses in paint reading “Women, Life, Freedom” and “#BarayeAzadi” as a protest against the Iranian government. The experiences of Iranian women inspired Zafarani to assist in any effort to protect women’s rights. “The world should live in peace. Every woman deserves to be equal. Every woman deserves love [and] kindness,” Zafarani said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-10-31-12.54.47-PM.png)
![Business and personal finance teacher Evan Stern stands in front of his classroom. After facing hardships growing up, Stern learned how to deal with them with the help of role models like his dad. “We dealt with some trauma when I was in middle school, and my dad had to be responsible for all three of us while he was working full-time. I know he had to sacrifice a lot. Im sure it was really hard for him, but looking back on it, he did a really good job . I didnt appreciate everything that he did at the time because I was so young. Now, Im engaged and probably going to have kids of my own in the next couple of years so I [am starting] to look at things differently,” Stern said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Untitled-7-1200x900.jpg)
![Holding his two smiling daughters in his arms, Principal John McCabe celebrates earning his doctorate degree. He attended Maryville University for two years and reached his goal of achieving a Doctor of Education: Educational Leadership degree after months upon months of hard work and long nights. “Im not going to lie, Im glad I have another night of my life back when Im not at school till very late,” McCabe said. “I can spend more time with my family and with my friends [who] are here at [West]. Im really happy about that.”](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/mccabefeature.png)
![Art teacher Katy Mangrich sits in her classroom, smiling for a picture. During her time in high school, Mangrich learned several lessons that she now passes on to her son. “The biggest life lesson that I learned is honesty. I wouldnt say I was the best teenager, but I learned very quickly in high school to always be forthcoming and honest with my parents because it always ended up serving me better in the long run. [My parents] might have been upset with me [and the mistake I made], but I wasnt going down the rabbit hole of a lie because that was just going to get me into more trouble,” Mangrich said. “I passed [that lesson] along to my nephew. Honesty is always your best approach; just don’t lie. I say that to my son all the time. Theres no advantage to lying, [and] thats a huge takeaway [from] how my parents raised me.”](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Screenshot-2024-01-26-10.10.12-AM.png)
![Social studies teacher Aaron Bashirian smiles in front of his classroom. Bashirian didn’t know he wanted to be a teacher from early on, but he found the choice to be a good one. “I started [teaching] because there was an opportunity for me to experiment with it. Fortunately, [teaching] was a good choice. In 2012, I became a teacher at Parkway at the Alternative Discipline Center, which is where they send suspended kids to keep being educated if they choose. I spent six years there and then I got drafted to West, [where] Ive been for about six years,” Bashirian said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Untitled-35-1200x800.jpg)
![English teacher Angela Frye stands behind her desk in her classroom. Frye went through a lot of personal struggles to get to where she is today, and with each step in her life, she carries her gratitude for those obstacles. “Everything happens for a reason. I believe in [the concept of] good energy, good karma, [from] being a good person. Those are things I dont take lightly. [Struggles] build character. You really appreciate everything you have when you have to work for everything you have,” Frye said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Untitled-8-1200x800.jpg)
![The celebration of Women’s History Month, originating in 1987, marks an annual acknowledgement of women’s contributions to various fields of work. However, many female revolutionaries remain underrepresented in our history books, oftentimes overshadowed by male counterparts who could reach a greater audience because of their status. “Back then, women didnt have the voice that we do now, [but] their actions gave us the voice we have today to be able to speak up. Now, we share information to show how far we came from,” Black Student Union member and sophomore Jariyah McCalister said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/feature-photo-unsung-4.png)
![Celebrities are inescapable in our day-to-day lives, constantly reminding us of whatever is newest in their lives. And for us on the receiving end, we find ourselves devoting time and effort to vie for just the tiniest sliver of their attention. “[Taylor Swift] is my favorite celebrity, and to me she means someone who is kind, smart and caring,” junior Swati Kumar said. “I feel connected to her and her music; I listen to her everyday and I find [her] very relatable.”](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Parasocial-1.jpg)
![January 2024 marks over seven decades since the publishing of “The Bell Jar.” In those seven decades, the novel has opened the eyes of countless women to the unfair treatment they’ve faced, particularly being percieved as nothing more than mothers and the consequences that arise from that. “To my knowledge, [“The Bell Jar” was] one of the earliest novels that explores a womans mental health and inner journey and allows her to go through struggles and make mistakes without vilifying [her]. Shes ambitious yet flawed and unsure how to proceed, like [many] women at the beginning of the 1960s. My mom was born in 1950 and grew up hearing that if she wanted to work, she had three choices: nurse, secretary and teacher. It was a brave new world when she found out there were more options. But that also comes with fear and anxiety and the judgment of others. Sylvia represents that journey,” French teacher Blair Hopkins said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Mother-26.png)
![For the past three years, Parkway has administered high school finals after winter break, a practice that proves to be detrimental to the success as well as the mental health of students. With finals after break appearing to do more harm than good, the question of what changes can be made arises time and time again. “The pressure for finals is difficult, and to have that [pressure for] a few weeks because youre on [a] break can make you generally sad. Its a bummer in general. I wish [finals] were before break, so we [could] have a break to sleep, celebrate and not study. Everyone Ive talked to about it is like yeah, finals sucks, and I wish that wasnt a thing,” junior Meadow Kostial said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/decembereditorial-1200x963.jpg)
![Since its introduction and subsequent explosion on the world stage, social media has proven to be a detriment to the fight against misinformation and fake news in the media because of its targeted marketed tactics and abuse of unified communities. This being said, taking responsibility over what you consume online and deciding whether or not it’s true is crucial. “It’s important to notice that [the spread of misinformation through social media] is happening, and as a teacher, media literacy is so important to teach,” journalism teacher Lindsey Katz said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nov-editorial-feature-1200x800.jpeg)
![2023 was defined by female vocalists such as Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift and Paramore’s Hayley Williams as their diversity and talent amongst their respective genres topped the musical charts. Williams took to Instagram to show her gratitude for having owned the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Top 100 chart. “We know enough by now to know success doesn’t equal value. That being said, to experience the [No. 1] on this album, as this version of Paramore, is such a sweet and surreal moment to celebrate together,” Williams wrote.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2023-A-Musical-Recap-2.0-1.png)
![In perfect shooting form and with eyes on the rim, junior Tyler Kuehl is about to shoot his next basket in the last game of the season against Marquette High School. Kuehl has been playing basketball since he was 5. “Even though I played basketball all my life, the game-winning shots can be pressure, its confidence. If youre going into that shot and not thinking that youre gonna make it, its obviously not going in. And if you believe, [it will]. Thats the only way you can succeed,” Kuehl said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/unnamed-32-1-1200x1200.png)
![“Im passionate about volleyball. Ive been playing for six years. I play it because I like the way that, [even though,] its a team sport, its also focused on [a person] individually; especially in my position since Im the back row defense where the ball can hit me. Its [up to] me, I can’t blame anybody else. I like how its very focused on [the] performance and how well [I] react to how the other team plays. The way I play really matters to me because it’s a team sport and I dont want to let my teammates down.” Emma Barton, 9](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image1-1200x800.jpg)
![“Im very passionate about debating, [which is why] I am [a member of the] speech and debate team. I like how it offers opportunities to speak [from] viewpoints on different opinions with people outside of our group from other schools around our communities. I usually participate in public forum debates [and] the topic [we speak about] changes every month. One debate that I was most invested in [took place in] February; which was [about whether or not] the US federal government should ban all single use plastics. I feel like I spent the most time working on this case [than any other discussion], and I was determined to make it into finals. I hold competition very dear to me. I have only gone to two tournaments so far, but Ive already made it into the finals. [Finals are important because], I think it really shows how much growth and [effort you’ve put in through the battle].” - Bethany Liao, 9](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bethany-L-1200x800.jpg)
![“My goal for soccer this season is not only to improve in skill, but also to improve my way of communication. [To] not always put the blame on myself since a team [improves together]. So my goal [coming into the team] was to not be so harsh on myself and to know that not the whole team depends on [me]. We all work as a team, and everyone [plays] a different [role]. The most exciting game this season was the first game, even though we lost it was like an exciting experience because it was the first game and it was nice seeing all my friends playing on the field together. I really improved my communication [skills]. My goal is to continue to strengthen my [ability of] communication [with the team] and to also improve my skill [at playing soccer].” - Ali Abdulsattar, 9](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/pasted-image-0-1200x800.png)
![“I’ve been playing baseball since I was four. The MLB inspired me to play, [but] my dad is my biggest inspiration. Hes very respectful and very hardworking. He taught me to stick close to your friends who will help you achieve your goals and not get in the way of them. Baseball has made me grow with the way I start friendships. Its helped me grow [more with] athletic performances and how I accomplish things throughout life. Friendships play a big part in baseball, [especially] when you’ve been playing on the same team since you were a kid. It was really nice playing with the same people because I really got an understanding of who they are and how they play the game. You also get to see how they grow athletically and mentally over time. I formed friendships with those people I spent most of my time with and it was hard to leave that team, it’s like I left a family. [My goal for this season] is to lead my team and to have a really good record. I’ve already built relationships with my teammates through classes and just hanging outside of school.” - Isaac Sinak, 9](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_0119-1200x800.jpg)
![“I started [the First Generation Club] because it was really hard to find people who were [a] part of the immigrant community. I didnt share a lot of similar experiences or have a similar background to my non-first-generation peers. Sometimes Id feel distanced or like I didnt belong because of that. I wanted to meet more first-generation students and be with people who connected with my experiences. My parents encouraged me to stay dedicated to my education, and thats one of the main focuses of the club. I wanted to create a space for everyone to come together [at] West, stay dedicated to our studies and have an opportunity to volunteer with friends. One of the challenges we faced in getting this club started was finding opportunities for us to organize school and volunteer[ing] events. Reaching out to people and getting help can really set things up for you. Ive learned a lot about communication through starting this club; the First Generation Club has made me a more vocal person. Having a space to talk to people [with] similar experiences [as] mine is a rewarding aspect [of being a co-founder]. [My main goals] for [the school is to create] a better environment and a space where everyone can come together, study together, advance themselves and enjoy.” - Giuliana Ghiretti, 9](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Giuliana-Ghiretti-9-1200x800.jpg)
Definitions:
Gay- a person who is romantically or sexually attracted to people of the same sex.
Pansexual- a person who is romantically or sexualy attracted to people of any sexual orientation or gender identity.
Bisexual- a person who is romantically or sexually attracted to both men and women.
Transgender- a person whose gender identity does not correspond to that person’s biological sex assigned at birth.
Genderfluid- Genderfluid is a gender identity which refers to a gender which varies over time. A gender fluid person may at any time identify as male, female, neutrois or any other non-binary identity, or some combination of identities. Their gender can also vary at random or vary in response to different circumstances.
Luke Donovan is a sophomore.
Luke Donovan
Pathfinder: What do you identify as?
Donovan: I am gay, and I am genderfluid, which means that I am interested in guys and I may at any time identify as male, female or any other identity, or some combination of identities.
What is your biggest struggle?
I don’t know I’m really afraid of elevators. But with being gay, being in Missouri is hard. There are a lot of conservative people, everywhere. There are a lot more in Missouri, and I think it makes it harder for them to be more accepting. I get it, I grew up that way. However, it’s hard to be expressive when you know you can still get hurt for it.
What’s it like to have to live with society’s expectations?
I struggle with being myself, but I would never try to dress how people expect me to dress. People ask me why I don’t wear athletic shorts and I’m like ‘because I think it’s ugly and I’m not going to wear them because it’s normal.’
What was the hardest part of coming out?
Coming out was hard. The first person I came out to was my mom, and she grew up Catholic and so I was taught that homosexuality was wrong. But I knew I had to tell her, so I told her in seventh grade, which I was really fortunate to – that’s really early. But I was really depressed then so I had to tell her. And when I did, we sat out on our deck and cried for 20 minutes. It was really hard for me to accept it and really say it. I would never choose to be gay because you get so much hate. You go into the world knowing you are going to be hated just based on that.
What is it like to be a member of the LGBTQ+ Community?
I mean it’s hard, people still use the F slur here and they think that it’s okay. It’s hard to hear that. But also, I’m always proud when people come to me for advice, especially when they are unsure about their sexuality. I really enjoy helping people understand what it’s like in my personal opinion to be gay- although it’s different for everyone. I always like giving advice.
Any advice to other members of the LGBTQ+ Community?
I think people should only come out when they know it’s safe for them. It sucks being in the closet, but the best advice is to make sure you’re always safe in your community.
Tony Morse is a freshman.
Tony Morse
Pathfinder: What do you identify as?
Morse: I am pansexual, and female to male transgender guy.
Related Stories on Gender Identity
The battle to become a man
Leslie Seay overcomes the struggles of being fluid
What is your biggest struggle?
For myself it’s probably dysphoria. With other people, misgendering. Especially when people misgender me on purpose, I just ignore it because that’s not my gender. If they say “she” I’ll just ignore it because if I do anything about it, it will just blow up out of proportion.
How do you cope with the expectations of society?
I try to ignore it, but it’s society so the expectations are always there. When the pressure gets bad I just remember that not everyone has to be the same and to be my own person.
What is it like to be a trans teen?
Being a trans teen, people really accept you, like the school has really worked towards making sure I feel safe and that I am accepted and changing my name. If there is an issue they kinda deal with it.
Do you have any advice to members of the LGBTQ+ community?
When you’re in the LGBTQ+ Community, not everyone is going to accept you. When people are mean to you or you hear stuff about you, don’t let it get to you. It’s really cheesy but people always say it’s not going to matter in like a year, and it’s true. In the moment you will probably be really upset, but like it’s going to happen a lot, and eventually it won’t matter.
Ryan O’Conner is a junior.
Ryan O’Conner
Pathfinder: What do you identify as?
O’Conner: I am a gay male.
What is your biggest struggle?
It’s the idea that there are people in the world, there are people in this school, who hate me without even knowing me because of the people I am attracted to. I feel targeted for being myself and that has limited my opportunities and experiences to connect with my peers and make friends because of prejudices against me. Another big struggle is stereotypes. People automatically assume I’m good at one thing and bad at another because I like men. But I’m not very fashionable, and I do enjoy masculine things as well.
What makes coming out difficult?
The hardest part of coming out is all the time before coming out because you’re nervous, and you have no idea what’s going to happen. It’s such an uncertain concept because the people you think will be there for you no matter what, might not and the people you expect to turn against you might end up being your best friend. You never really know what will happen but that doesn’t’ change the fact that it’s worth it 100 percent.
What is it like being a member of the LGBTQ+ Community?
That is quite the experience. I mean, it’s very polar. You’ll have people who love you without knowing you and people who hate you without knowing you. You just gotta learn to go with the flow because it flows, a lot. Some days are great and some days are terrible, and you just have to be ready for anything. When I’m on Instagram and I see people commenting like “no homo” or “that’s so gay” and it associates who I am with their negative sentiment towards that. And that’s pretty bad. Another time that’s pretty rough was when people were like spreading rumors about me that I liked this person when I didn’t. It’s just hard.
How do you deal with social expectations?
I deal with them by ignoring them. People are always going to expect me to be a certain way, but I don’t have to follow that. I can just be myself and society tells me that’s not how I should be… I don’t care. I’m not going to change to fit a standard. I had a lot of trouble actually with societal expectations when I was first coming out because I felt the need to be more gay, to act more feminine to show off that I was gay and proud, because I felt that I wasn’t gay if I didn’t show it in every way, shape and form possible. I feel like I’ve really matured from that and I can really be myself. Your sexuality isn’t who you are, it’s a small part of it.
What is some advice you would like to share with other members of the LGBTQ+ Community?
If you’re not out, don’t come out until you feel ready. Don’t let anyone pressure you, coming out is a thing that you should do on your own when you’re prepared. It’s a big change but do it only when you’re ready.
If you’re thinking about coming out, but you’re afraid. As long as you are in a safe environment and safe to come out, don’t worry about what other people will think about you. It’s just high school and it sucks to have people who hate you for no reason but being yourself outweighs that 100x over. Coming out is the best feeling in the world if you’re ready. Being able to be true to yourself is also amazing.
If you’ve just come out, stereotypes are just that. You don’t have to conform to them or prove to them that you are what you identify as. You don’t have to prove anything. Just be who you are and who you want to be and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It doesn’t matter what other people think. As long as you are happy with you.
And for those who are dealing with the hardships, it gets better. It really does. People are rude, people are nasty, they’re always going to be there. But at the end of the day they aren’t worth getting upset about. It hurts it really does, but it will feel better in the end.
Alex Herrera is junior.
Alex Herrera
What do you identify as?
I am a gay female, or lesbian.
When did you know you were gay?
It was fourth grade. Up until then, I didn’t even know what gay meant. I guess I realized what it was and I was sitting there and I realized I had a huge crush on one of my best friends. I was like omg it all makes sense now, I’m gay! That’s why I don’t have crushes on guys! Everything was perfect after that and I didn’t have to make up guy crushes anymore. It was so relieving.
What’s some advice to other members of the LGBTQ+ community?
You have to come out when you’re ready and when it’s safe. You have to be careful about who you come out to and when you come out and you have to feel safe and know the people you come out it will at least tolerate your sexuality. There are so many people who come out and get kicked out or just have a bad home life. So make sure you’re ready and make sure the people who are supposed to take care of you will be ready to hear it.
What is it like to be an openly gay teen?
I think it’s fun. Everybody thinks you’re different and you’re actually not. Sometimes it makes you cooler or sometimes it’s less cool. And you have to struggle with how people perceive sexuality and therefore how they perceive you and your struggles. It’s fun because I get to be myself. It makes me happy that I can be whoever I want.
