Croc Wednesdays

Annie Spewak, Editor in Chief
May 10, 2013
Filed under Features

Eight years ago, Crocs were the shoe everyone had to sport. But it wasn't just the shoe, it was the charms, or Jibitz, you had strategically placed in each little hole. It was a daily struggle: should I rock the smiley face charm with the butterfly or should I rock my turtle and peace sign? But as... Read more »

Dancing queen (and her king): Selah Mahaffey

Annie Spewak, Editor in Chief
May 9, 2013
Filed under Features, Showcase

Prom took place at Kemp Auto Mueseum on April 27. Juniors and seniors pampered themselves for hours in order to look their best for their special evening. When students arrived, the DJ had upbeat music pumping through the room, but the dance floor did not open until 8:45 p.m. That did not stop junior... Read more »

Perks of being a West senior

Annie Spewak and Susie Watson
May 1, 2013
Filed under Opinions

While coming up with ideas for this story, we traveled out to our sacred turf. We soaked up some sun, munched on some pretzels and busted out a few profound thoughts. However, we started off writing this with the notion that seniors have lost all their privileges, that we got the short end of the stick,... Read more »

Prom-sformation

Annie Spewak, Editor in Chief
April 24, 2013
Filed under Features

Prom: it’s the social event of the year…at least if you are a junior or a senior. Every year, students go above and beyond compared to years past. Girls must have an eloquent, beautiful gown while the boys must ask their date in the most creative way possible, short of skydiving with “PROM?”... Read more »

Waterpolo loses to SLUH in overtime

Annie Spewak, Editor in Chief
April 18, 2013
Filed under Sports

On Wednesday, April 17, varsity water polo lost to St. Louis Univeresity High (SLUH) 8-10 in overtime. Last season, the West polo team lost to SLUH in the regular season but defeated SLUH for the state championship in sudden death. The West players expected a difficult game against the Bilikens. "We... Read more »

The junior fight (against geese)

Annie Spewak, Editor In Chief
April 15, 2013
Filed under Features

Raise your hand if you have personally been victimized by the geese outside the junior door. It's common knowledge; it's a warning passed down from seniors to juniors every spring. Beware of the geese. Each year, there are two or three Canadian geese that lay eggs by the junior lot door and the peace... Read more »

Lacrosse wins Kirkwood/Webster Tournament

Annie Spewak, Editor in Chief
April 9, 2013
Filed under Sports

Girls' lacrosse competed in the Kirkwood/Webster tournament on Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6. The girls started off their weekend with a 17-6 win against Kirkwood. "We played like a team," junior Jenn Welby said. "We had great looks, transitions and defense." Their win over Kirkwood advanced... Read more »

A Cinderella story

Annie Spewak, Editor in Chief
March 8, 2013
Filed under Features

In 2009, the Community Council, a group that works to increase self-confidence and esteem in young women, created Prom Dresses with a Purpose, a drive that aimed to collect prom dresses. The drive raised over 1,000 dresses for high school girls. Since 2009, over 3,000 high school girls have been helped. Prom... Read more »

New sign-up for parent teacher conferences

Annie Spewak, Editor in Chief
February 20, 2013
Filed under News

In years past, parents signed up outside classroom doors the night of conferences to meet with their child's teachers. On Feb. 26, however, parents will sign up online for a seven minute conference slot for each of their child's teachers. The goal of this new format is to improve conference efficiency. West... Read more »

Alison Owen updates and trends

Annie Spewak, Editor in Chief
February 8, 2013
Filed under News, Showcase

Throughout the week, students have decided on ways to show their support for sophomore Alison Owen. Students have been glued to their phones, awaiting updates on Owen's condition and progress. In addition to the signs outside of school and the tweets that tag "#Hope4Ali," on Wednesday, Feb. 6, students... Read more »

#Hope4Ali

Annie Spewak, Editor in Chief
February 5, 2013
Filed under News, Showcase

On Friday, Feb. 1, sophomore Alison Owen was involved in a car accident. After hitting two trees, Owen was taken to Mercy Hospital and then transferred to Children's Hospital. She suffered from a brain hemorrhage, a broken vertebrae, bruised lungs and has fluid on her abdomen. Doctors have asked friends... Read more »

Fulfilling their destiny

Annie Spewak, Editor in Chief
January 28, 2013
Filed under Arts & Entertainment, Music

After eight years, the day has finally come: Destiny's Child is getting back together!! The famous R&B group included singers Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. The group split up in 2004 in order to pursue solo careers. Out of the group, Beyoncé had the most successful solo run.... Read more »

To DC and beyond

Annie Spewak, Editor in Chief
January 23, 2013
Filed under Picture of the Day

On January 18, 22 students traveled to Washington D.C. to watch the Presidential Inauguration. While in D.C., students got to visit monuments such as the new Martin Luther King memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, the Lincoln Memorial and the White House. Students managed to see Bill Nye (The Science... Read more »

iDisappoint

Annie Spewak, Editor in Chief
January 22, 2013
Filed under Opinions

Drum roll, please! Wait, stop. Suspense for the iPhone software update, the iOS6, led all the way up to its release date. Apple's new software, iOS6, was a huge disappointment. On Jan. 1, iOS6 users noticed something strange…. People were not contacting them. The bug? The “Do Not Disturb”... Read more »

A day in the life of Zarah Habibollah

Susie Watson and Annie Spewak
January 18, 2013
Filed under Features

On the weekend, some people go to football games, go out to dinner or hang out with friends, but freshman Zarah Habibollah spends her weekends going to high-end fashion shows. “The most recent show that I went to was the Burberry fashion show in London,” Habibollah said.  “It was one of my... Read more »

Be there or be square!

Annie Spewak, Editor In Chief
January 7, 2013
Filed under News

As of today, Jan. 7, 2013, Parkway West began Automated Attendance. This program calls parents at the end of the school day if their child has an unexcused absence in at least one class period that day. "Automated attendance will force students to take responsibility for their attendance. They must... Read more »

Circle of concern drive: who will win?

Annie Spewak, Features Editor
December 11, 2012
Filed under Features, Showcase

On Dec. 3, the History Department began a collection drive for Circle of Concern. The drive was oriented with the Modern United States History unit over the Great Depression and with the holidays. This winter drive is unlike other drives in that it is a competition amongst the department and is split... Read more »

Senior portrait deadline nearing

Annie Spewak, Features Editor
December 10, 2012
Filed under News

Seniors wishing to have the portrait included in the 2012-2013 yearbook must arrange an appointment with Prestige Portraits before Decmeber 14. "Getting your senior portrait taken is a right of passage that every senior deserves. I don't want to see anyone left out of their senior yearbook," Yearbook... Read more »

Hot holiday items 2012

Annie Spewak, Features Editor
December 3, 2012
Filed under Features

With the holidays right around the corner, there is one question on everyone’s mind: what gifts should I give? Shopping for your parents, your siblings and your best friends can be challenging. When coming up with gift ideas, one must remember it really is the thought that counts. Whether you buy an... Read more »

RD3 in recovery

Annie Spewak, Features Editor
November 26, 2012
Filed under Sports

After his season ending injury, senior Ryan DeMuri is on the road to recovery. DeMuri tore his right ACL during the Senior Night game against University City on October 3. Last season, DeMuri tore his leftt ACL and rehabilitated in time for Track and Field. DeMuri received surgery on November 2.... Read more »

School-wide scavenger hunt a success

Annie Spewak, Features Editor
November 12, 2012
Filed under Features

On November 9, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) hosted a school-wide scavenger hunt. Students were allowed to make teams up to six to search the school for clues. The cost for each person was $5. The money raised went to provide treatment and support for local Autistic children. “It... Read more »

Want to see our pins? Click our links!

Annie Spewak, Feature Editor
November 9, 2012
Filed under Uncategorized

Annie Spewak: http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=the_100_best_workout_songs_from_the_90s Emily Basler: http://pinterest.com/pin/106960559871665908/ Kelly Stephenson: http://lacreativitedelafille.blogspot.com/search/label/single%20serving Susie Watson: http://pinterest.com/pin/152700243585663821/ Catharine... Read more »

Automated attendance to be instated

Annie Spewak, Feature Editor
November 8, 2012
Filed under News

In January, Parkway West will instate automated attendance. It is a system where parents will receive a phone call at the end of the school day notifying what periods their student missed. The parents will only be notified of unexcused absences, like skipping classes. "Research shows that more attendance... Read more »

Crutching along

Annie Spewak, Feature Editor
October 25, 2012
Filed under Features

Lately, as you walk through the hallways, you may notice the growing number of crutches and­ casts student athletes are sporting. What is not visible is the mental toll injuries have taken upon high school athletes: the sorrow of not being able to play the sport they love, the guilt for letting down... Read more »

Italian stallion’s head shaved

Annie Spewak, Feature Editor
October 22, 2012
Filed under Showcase, Sports

Girls' Cross Country Coach Charlie Cutelli made a bet with his team previously in the season. If four girls broke a six-minute mile in practice, he would shave his head. Earlier in the season, sophomores Rachel Yang, Maddie Brown and senior Lindsey Egan broke the six-minute mark; however, that was not... Read more »

RD3 injured against University City

Annie Spewak, Features Editor
October 15, 2012
Filed under Sports

On Friday, October 12, the Longhorn football team took on University City as their last home game. Their game also honored the seniors, including Ryan Demuri, who is popularly known as RD3 amongst his fans. The Longhorns sent their game into overtime with the score tied at 35. Quarterback, Austin... Read more »

Extreme Routine Competition Champions

Annie Spewak, Feature Editor
October 9, 2012
Filed under Sports

The Cheerleading squad started off the season at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Camp in July. The camp was held at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. There, they took first in the Extreme Routine Competition and second in the cheer competition. Senior Captain Alexa Emerson and junior... Read more »

Can you Dig it?

Annie Spewak, Features Editor
October 3, 2012
Filed under Features, Showcase

While the Eagle Scout is the highest honor a Boy Scout can achieve, the Silver Award is one of the highest honors for a Girl Scout. Parkway West freshmen, Sarah Booth, Allison Wills, Lauren Schumacher, Nicole Moore, Mariel McMindes, Ellie Nazzoli and Gabrielle Nickel achieved their Silver Award over... Read more »

The blind spot

Annie Spewak, Editor in Chief
September 24, 2012
Filed under Features

Many high schools students are being belabored by the "driving talks" given to them daily when they merely think about leaving their house. The constant, caustic reminders are often heard, but are they understood? "Drive safe!" "Call me when you get there!" "Wear your seatbelt and don't speed!" There... Read more »

Something to Un-RAPP

Annie Spewak, Features Editor
September 13, 2012
Filed under News

Lay everything you have with you that means nothing or has little value out on your desk. Then place a value to it. Coffee mug ($10), pens and pencils ($5.50), folders and binders ($15), packed lunch ($4). Who bought you those items? Most likely your parents did. Rarely do we ever appreciate our parents... Read more »