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

“My parents were really involved with school for me, they would always ask about my grades and stress the importance of school. I think that contributed to my desire to do well in school and take hard classes and I think it’s going to be very helpful for me in the future. I was really looking for a city vibe in college, and I recently just committed to Loyola so it’s gonna be really nice to have Chicago so close to me. The campus is beautiful and really close to the lake. I didn’t want a huge school in a college so Loyola is perfect. I regret not sticking with some of the sports [I played growing up]. I did gymnastics until junior year and I feel like I could have done a lot more. I feel like theres unfinished business there. Someone that impacted me growing up was my older sister Abby, she was always there for me when I needed her and always encouraged me to aim high and pursue my passions. I’m looking forward to college because I’m gonna be in a new city and I’ll get to make new friends. I’m super excited to be on my own and start my future,” - Tristan Caudill, 12

Tristan Caudill

Lia Emry, Staff Writer February 22, 2023

“My first two years of high school I don’t even consider to count. Freshman year I honestly dont even remember [what we learned] and it was cut short. I was virtual my entire sophomore year and took the time to focus on academics, dance and myself. The pandemic definitely caused me to lose motivation during my sophomore year. It took a lot of effort during my junior year to jump back into staying focused and taking school seriously. Junior year, I met a freshman on poms named Poppi Wright, shes meant so much to me ever since. Were very similar, its weird. We clicked instantly and I just absolutely adore her. Throughout high school, one unforgettable moment for me was joining the yearbook staff. I absolutely adore [journalism teacher Debra] Klevens and taking her class was the best decision I made. I found a true passion in designing and making yearbook spreads. I got really into it and by my senior year, I was made an editor. I love going to Klevens room after other classes I dont enjoy as much. I’m a student aide for her so I have her every day and I love it. I honestly feel like I had two true years of high school, my junior and senior year. Im most proud that I just survived the journey. I can say I was in high school during a pandemic and still managed to get into college, continued dancing and formed new relationships.” - Kelsea Wilson, 12

Kelsea Wilson

Lia Emry, Staff Writer February 1, 2023

This year’s “Spotify Wrapped” was distributed to listeners everywhere, including students at Parkway West High School.

Spotify Wrapped 2022: Parkway West Edition

Claire Creely, Staff Writer January 20, 2023

Students blast Spotify through their AirPods as they walk through the halls. Some play calm melodies when doing their school work or uplifting music at the gym. For students, like junior Katherine Goodwin,...

“My friends and family have been really helpful and motivating for me. I have a partner who is really helpful in getting me to do my homework. They believe that I can do the work even when I feel like I can’t. They’ve helped me push through the struggles of life and get things done. My sister also makes me laugh a lot. We have a really good relationship. No matter what mood I’m in, she can make me laugh.” - Rainier Neuwirth-Deutsch, 12

Rainier Neuwirth-Deustch

Emily Early, Staff Writer January 13, 2023

Cutting into a celebratory cookie cake, the secretary of the Indian Club and junior Swati Kumar kicks off the first meeting. Club board members introduced themselves and reviewed what future meetings would look like. “[I am] excited to see how far we could take this club. Indian culture is overlooked many times, so being a part of educating and celebrating it with others [is] so fun,” Kumar said.

Calling all clubs!

Lily West, Staff Writer January 12, 2023

Whether you are building gingerbread houses with German Club, volunteering for NHS or playing sports with Leisure Club, there’s something for everyone. Clubs, while beneficial for college resumes, are...

Braxton Eddy

Braxton Eddy

Tyler Smith, CJ1 Writer November 2, 2022

“I wanted to play varsity so bad that over the summer between my freshman and sophomore years, I gained 50 pounds. I was hoping that I was big enough to play varsity. As soon as I found out, I went home...

Senior Lindsi Cook writes her name under her handprint as part of the senior hand wall. Students lined up to put their hands on the wall and were directed towards spots to place their handprints. Being able to see [the hand wall] finished [was my favorite part] because ever since I was a freshman its just been exciting to see other classes finish their wall, Cook said.

Photo of the Week – April 8

Sarah Boland, Staff Writer April 8, 2022

Hair flipping senior Connor Leib plays in a two-hour show with his band Good Question. The performance occurred at Earth Surf– a skatepark located in Chesterfield, Mo. “Playing in a skate park is very loud and [echoey], but it brings out a very punk underground and grimy vibe that’s cool. And it kinda brings out [an angsty feeling] so much that after our [show] I kicked over my drums and broke my high hat stand,” Leib said.

All thanks to the bug

Kristen Skordos, CJ1 Writer February 17, 2022

At age 13, after listening to “Lithium” by Nirvana, senior Connor Leib had his whole life figured out, becoming involved with music, all thanks to the bug.  “The bug is about the feeling that...

Posing in a picture with her family, senior Megan VanValkenburghsigns her National Letter of Intent to be a part of the swim and dive team at Butler University next fall. VanValkenburg committed and signed in December, but signing day at school occurred on February eighth. “All of the support from everyone on signing day made [committing] feel very real now. I feel like every little step I have taken in this process has led to that moment,” Vanvalkenburg said. “I have always loved the campus and location of the school, but [the girls on the womens swim and dive team at Butler] made me feel a part of their team on my visit, that’s when I knew I wanted to spend my next four years there.”

Photo of the Week- Feb. 11

Tre Bell, Staff Writer February 11, 2022

Senior Emily OConnor poses in her navy and gold cheer uniform at the ICE All-Stars competition. For years, OConnor looked up to the ICE athletes. I feel lucky to be able to take the mat with ICE across my chest. The owner has built such a well-oiled machine, and the coaches at ICE have helped me become a better person by their life lessons and examples.

Senior Emily O’Connor cheers on a new generation

Emily Kate Beach, CJ1 Writer February 7, 2022

Fixing her high tight ponytail and wiping the sweat from her face, senior Emily O'Connor lightens the mood at practice with a cheesy joke as her team, ICE All-Stars Aftershock, perfects their routine before...

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The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High
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