![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)
For those of you staying in St. Louis for spring break and are bracing yourselves for the constant boredom you are sure to experience, here’s a little calendar to ensure the exact opposite! Instead of bingeing on Netflix in bed or trying to break your record for the most days you can go without showering, try these activities to make the most out of your staycation.
- Friday, March 18
Fish Fry Dinners at local Catholic Churches
Usually starting after 3 p.m., local Catholic Churches like Incarnate Word, St. Monica, Holy Infant and Ascension, in your neighborhood serve fried fish and an array of sides for dinner (Mac & Cheese is my personal fav). Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a great way to get to know your community! Open to all faiths.
Price varies
Kota: Digital Excavations in African Art
Housed at The Pulitzer Arts Foundation, this exhibition showcases the hidden histories of the Kota reliquaries via digital database. Viewers will enhance their understanding of the Kota’s origins, creation, and function.
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday & Saturday; 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday & Friday
Admission: FREE
Annual Women in Arts Lecture: The Soul of Art
The St. Louis Art Museum will be hosting guest speaker, Audrey Flack, who paved the way for the photorealism movement. She will be discussing her career, not only as an artist, but as a female.
7-8 p.m.
Admission: $3
- Saturday, March 19
2016 Orchid Show: “Where the Wild Things Grow”
Visitors will be able to see exotic and beautiful flowers at the Missouri Botanical Gardens, as well as learn about the environments orchids grow and thrive. This is also a great opportunity to see other beauties of the Garden.
Admission: $5
Sunday, March 20
Family Sundays at the Art Museum
Say “oui, oui” to bringing the whole family of all ages to the St. Louis Art Museum for a day to explore the arts of France. The event includes a French inspired art activity and a tour of the collections. Magnifique!
1-4 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Exhibition Closing: Blow-Up: Graphic Abstraction in 1960s Design
Travel back in time to the 1960s through art and fashion in this St. Louis Art Museum exhibit. This exhibit has been a hit at the museum lately, so be sure to catch it before it closes!
Admission: FREE
- Monday, March 21
The month of March at The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is dedicated to the beautiful Blue Morpho butterflies. Commonly found in Central and South America, this is your chance to see nearly 3,000 of the species in their conservatory.
Admission: FREE for members, $6 general admission, $5 seniors 65 & over, $4 children 3-12, FREE children 2 & under
- Tuesday, March 22
Do you love “Fight Song,” the pop hit that has taken the radio by storm? Your girl Rachel Platten is performing at The Ready Room. Opening acts include Eric Hutchinson and Hunter Hunted.
Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $20 – $23
- Wednesday, March 23
Mini Law School for the Public
Conducted by The Missouri Bar and Missouri law schools at St. Louis University, this course will give you a brief overview of the legal system to help you make good decisions about your life, your family, and your finances. No homework or tests (yay!), just lectures from some of the most knowledgeable lawyers and judges in the area.
7-9 p.m.
Registration: $35
Movie Night at Ballpark Village – Big Hero 6
Come Downtown to Ballpark Village for night of family fun! The recent feel good film Big Hero 6 will be shown on the 40 foot FOX Sports Midwest Live! TV! Activities will be provided prior to the movie. Eat ahead of time, or bring cash, because no outside food or drinks are permitted.
Activities start at 5 p.m., and the movie starts at 6 p.m.
Admission: FREE
- Thursday March 24
Exhibition Opening: Currents 112: Andréa Stanislav: Convergence Infinité
The St. Louis Art Museum is opening a new multichannel video exhibit of the Midwestern history. This is far from your average history lesson and focuses more on the complexities of natural and mythological past of the Mississippi Valley region. I got a sneak peek this past weekend, all I’ll say is that you don’t want to miss this!
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Friday, March 25
Fish Fry Dinners at local Catholic Churches
This is your last Friday to get a fish fry meal at one of your local Catholic Churches! Open to people of all faiths.
Price varies
Come see your hometown team battle on the ice by making a stop at the Scottrade Center to catch the Blues take on the Vancouver Canucks. Get your Blues fix before the season ends! Maybe get a picture with Louie!
7 p.m.
Price varies
- Saturday, March 26
Bring your younger sibling or other family member to Des Peres Park for the youth egg hunt! Rain or shine, the Easter Bunny will be stopping by, so make sure you have a basket and camera ready.
Ages: 3 – 6
10 a.m.
Admission: FREE
- Sunday, March 27
Gateway Arch Riverboat Sunday Brunch Cruise
Enjoy your Sunday meal aboard while listening to Dixieland music aboard one of the famous Gateway Arch Riverboats. The buffet includes French toast, cheese blintzes, eggs, prime rib, stuffed chicken breast, pasta, salad and more. Food and an amazing view of the city from the river is such a great way to end spring break!
Board 12:30 p.m., depart 1 p.m., return 3 p.m.
Admission: Reservations are required. $45/adults; $18/kids 3-12; children under age 3 are FREE
Don’t forget that most museums, the St. Louis Zoo and parks are always free and fun! Have a wonderful spring break!
![Marching in front of Forest Park Avenue, protesters gather in support of the pro-choice organization Planned Parenthood after the controversial overturning of the Supreme Court case Roe V. Wade. Parkway West alumna Luisa Larinizi, former co-president of the Feminist Club, attended the protest in 2022 to share her voice on the matter. “I went because it’s an issue I care about deeply and I felt this was a way I could help and actively be involved. It is very important to stand up for what we believe in, and peaceful protesting is always a great way to achieve that,” Lazarini said. “It was incredible to see how many people came. Many gave speeches on their personal experiences with reproductive rights, [giving] me new insight on how many people are actually affected by the issue.”](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Untitled-design-1.png)
