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

Senior Class Principal Jamaal Heavens works on his computer, preparing materials for seniors and adjusting to the school community.

Get to know Senior Class Principal Jamaal Heavens

Addie Gleason, Managing Editor-in-Chief September 15, 2022

After previous Senior Class Principal Brionne Smith announced her move to Parkway South, the search began to hire a new principal. Heavens graduated from the University of Illinois in 2002 with a Bachelor...

Principal John McCabe works at his desk after the Aug. 24 pep rally during Ac Lab. McCabe did his first substituting job as a sophomore in high school and has been an educator ever since. “I strongly believe in public education because its a calling to serve others. That quality of serving and supporting other people is one of the things that I love the most about working in schools,” McCabe said.

Who is Principal John McCabe?

Serena Liu, News Editor September 13, 2022

“I say to students, music is unique in that the moment after you make the music, it instantly disappears. The only thing that remains after the music is gone is the change in people from the music-making process. We are in the business of changing people and improving people,” Parrish said.

Choir teacher Brian Parrish finishes his last year at West with a perfect score

Jordan Scales, Staff Writer June 3, 2022

After 10 years at West, choir teacher Brian Parrish will be transferring to Clayton High School. In Parrish’s last year at West, he and the choirs achieved a perfect exemplary score at the 2021-2022...

Alumni Erin Eickmeier and her sister, freshman Jenna Eickmeier, pose for a family photo.

Growing up alongside a sibling with a disability

Ava Silva, CJ1 Writer June 2, 2022

Jenna grew up with an older sister with a disability called Cri du Chat Syndrome. Jenna’s family learned about Erin’s disability when the hospital ran tests after she was born. “Having her...

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...

Sophomore Jade Senseney poses with her brother, sophomore Kayden Senseney and her mother, before attending the Missouri Botanical Gardens Japanese festival. Senseney’s mother wears a Yukata [a traditional summer kimono] as Senseney and her brother wear their Japanese school shirts. “One thing that brings me joy about my heritage and culture is going back to Japan and taking in how others’ lives are, how my grandparents live and understanding their way of life and what’s important to them,” Senseney said.

What’s on the table for Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month?

Lia Emry, Staff Writer May 31, 2022

Soaking in the fresh air of a warm Japanese morning, sophomore Jade Senseney is one of the many students attending West who visits family across the globe. The month of May is a month of commemorating...

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...

Steering towards his goals, Greg Schade poses in front of his 1972, generation three Corvette. Schade was interested in this car model because of the engine power, body style and chrome bumpers. “When I first had the idea of doing a restoration and researching for it, I thought about getting a ‘67 Corvette, a C2 generation. But I dont like the way it looks as much. I like the C3s more, and they’re less expensive, so it was a no-brainer,” Schade said.

Fueling dreams into reality

Emma Herrmann and Tiffany Ung May 25, 2022

Growing up in St. Louis, science teacher Greg Schade went to car shows with his dad to admire the hot rods and varieties of cars. However, one car has always stood out to him — the Corvette. Schade’s...

Sophomore Rand Al-Hachami poses for a picture at school, donning her hijab and Zulfiqar sword necklace. Even though Islamophobia is very present, Al-Hachami says she has met a lot of positive reactions concerning her decision to start wearing hijab. “[Hijab symbolizes] positive character traits that Islam promotes, like dependability and honesty,” Al-Hachami said. “Wearing it has made me feel closer to my Muslim friends as well as to my religion in general.”

“I’m stronger than anything anybody could try to do to me”

Katie Wallace, Features Editor May 23, 2022

Ramadan: a time of fasting, prayer and focusing on your faith. Ramadan is sophomore Rand Al-Hachami’s favorite time of the year and, this year, it is the time she decided to start wearing hijab.  Hijab...

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...

Donate to Pathfinder
$175
$800
Contributed
Our Goal

Comments (2)

Please use your own name and keep your comments respectful!
All Pathfinder Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest
Activate Search
The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High
Features