The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder

Juniors Ben Livak and Emily McClurg sit on the track after the fire alarm went off. Because class had not yet started, students gathered on the football field in groups with friends. “I had to make sure I grabbed all my stuff because I didn’t know what was gonna happen. Class hadn’t even started [when] we started heading outside,” Livak said. “[The process of being led back] was actually really smooth. I saw a little confusion with people trying to go different directions, but [teachers] got it under control.”

Wake up call

Pathfinder Editorial Board August 26, 2022

A fire alarm blares through the school hallways at 7:27 a.m. Students rush to grab their bags, belongings and friends. Hurried steps guide them through building doors. Assistant Principal Kate Piffel directs...

The Pathfinder has posted hundreds of stories throughout the 2021-2022 school year for the community to read. These stories are this year’s fan favorites, from bachelorette shows to wacky traditions.

Pathfinder “fan favorites” of the 2021-2022 school year

Addie Gleason, Managing Editor in Chief June 2, 2022

The school year is coming to an end. Lockers are cleared out, friends are saying goodbye and everyone’s cramming to get their missing assignments turned in. Amid yet another atypical school year, students...

Always looking for a new adventure, Chemistry and 
Physics teacher Allison Privitt goes canyoning for the  first time. Canyoning involves navigating a 
mountain stream using a variety of techniques. “That’s the scariest thing I’ve ever done, it’s  the craziest thing I’ve ever done, and I’m doing it again 
this summer,” Privitt said.

Four down, three to go

Sabrina Urdaneta, Staff Writer June 1, 2022

Whether jumping off a plane, swimming with sharks or traveling around the world, Chemistry and Physics teacher Allison Privitt is always on a new adventure. Privitt believes teaching has become a chapter...

Freshman Jack Mullen sings “Man of Constant Sorrow” at his singers choice performance.

Freshman Jack Mullen takes on a new role as a Muny Teen

Ava Bauman, CJ1 Writer May 30, 2022

Ten years ago, Jack Mullen started his journey as an actor. Today, as a freshman, he continues his career as a Muny Teen. Mullen started performing at the Muny six years ago, where he participated in...

During the 54th annual graduation commencement ceremony at St. Charles Family Arena, principal Jeremy Mitchell applauds cum laude students academic achievement. Mitchell has been the principal at West High for the past 12 years and plans to retire after the 21-22 school year ends. “Kids are good. I get irritated by news reports and friends [who say,] ‘Oh, I couldn’t do it, how do you put up with those high schoolers?’ Are you kidding me? I mean, you guys are great. Anytime I doubt that something happens, and boom. So I think thats the lesson that has been verified and reinforced year after year,” Mitchell said. “Its fun because I have my own children, and when Im with those kids, its kind of the same thing. I just think the teenage years are really interesting. Thats why I work here. I’ve been going to school since 1978, and its just so fun to see the growth in students. So I think my life lesson is learned from that enjoyment.”

Photo of the Week – May 27

Madi Michajliczenko, Conceptual Editor in Chief May 27, 2022

Visitors enter the building and check-in at the front desk. School policy required photo identification to be let in. “Im beside myself this morning. What does someone like myself even do? We can vote the way we think we need to, and we can push people to make the right decisions, but the people above us that make the laws are going to have to stop just talking about it and do something; that is the bottom line,” mathematics and Computer Science teacher Jason Townsend said.

Community reflects on importance of school safety following a deadly shooting

Addie Gleason, Managing Editor in Chief May 25, 2022

On May 24, 2022, an 18-year-old opened fire on Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Nineteen students, two adults and the gunman were confirmed dead. Hospital workers are treating multiple other students...

A picture of the Arch in downtown St. Louis. Officially opened in 1965, the Gateway Arch is St. Louis’s most well-known landmark and described as the “Gateway to the West.”

Beyond the statistics

Elizabeth Franklin, Opinions Editor May 24, 2022

I grew up in the city of St. Louis until I was 11. I lived in the Old North neighborhood, a neighborhood particularly known for its community gardens and the famous Crown Candy kitchen. I would ride my...

Senior Bryce Drake winds up at one of his last at bats before the District finals. The boys closed off the season with a 22-6 record. “It was a great season to call my last and we all improved so much. Going out against south was hard to take, but we gave it our all and I see great things in the future for this team. We had great team chemistry and I’m so thankful for my four years with these players,” Drake said.

Photo of the Week – May 20

Makinsey Drake, Staff Writer May 20, 2022

Wearing a bright smile, custodian Sean Smith sits on a bench greeting students in the morning. Smith believed that if the first thing students see when they enter the school is someone saying good morning, it will make their day that much better. “Now, if youre walking up that walkway with an attitude, I want [you] to see a cheery face that says ‘hey, Im glad to see you,’” Smith said.

More than a custodian

Ashlyn Gillespie, Deputy Managing Editor in Chief May 20, 2022

A loving husband. An affectionate grandpa. An attentive dad. A devout Christian. A friend to all staff and students. Like all the behind-the-scenes staff, Sean Smith is more than just a custodian. Smith...

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