Breaking News
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
SHOWCASE
TRENDING
1
Although society is reaching an all-time high for mental health awareness, celebrities are still facing heavy scrutiny about what they depict in their art, particularly surrounding mental health. Musical artist Taylor Swift received backlash for her display of body dysmorphia in her “Anti-Hero” music video. “There’s a difference between saying being fat is bad and saying you have [an] eating disorder that you’re constantly battling,” Swift fan @expiredthrills said on Twitter.

Taylor Swift silenced from “Speaking Now” about her experience with body dysmorphia • 60 Views

2
Climate activists Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland were arrested Oct. 14 after tossing a can of tomato soup at Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers.” Plummer, at just 21 years old, attempted to glue her hand to the wall before telling onlookers that with the rising cost of oil, many families do not have enough money to heat soup.

Is art worth more than life? • 45 Views

3
2023 Senior Send-off Map

2023 Senior Send-off Map • 23 Views

4
14 students from Parkway West High School were nominated the Glory of Missouri awards.

Meet the glories of Missouri • 15 Views

5
Freshman Ella Early works to publish and display her artwork and writing, which she has practiced for years. Early learned techniques from her grandmother’s art and found her talent through writing. I remember my teachers reading my books out loud to the class and being very proud of them. I said, ‘look, guys, I wrote a book,’” Early said.

Inside her story • 8 Views

6
Distorted images of teen TV shows “Pretty Little Liars,” “Riverdale” and “Euphoria,” all of which feature adult actors and mature themes. Both “Euphoria” and “Pretty Little Liars” made it onto Teen Vogue’s “10 Best Teen TV Shows of the 2010s” list. Meanwhile, according to Mediaweek and Deadline, “Riverdale” was one of Netflix’s most popular shows across a global scale.

The distorted reflection of teens in television • 7 Views

7
With five languages under her belt, junior Suraiya Saroars plan to become fluent in several languages is underway. Although she is also fluent in English, Hindi, Urdu and Arabic, Saroars first language, Bangla, is the most important to her to speak fluently. It is especially important to me to be able to speak my native language, so I can speak to all my relatives properly and not have to worry about them not understanding me, Saroar said.

Proud to be a polyglot • 5 Views

8
Early graduate Mia Irving moves the tassel on her cap, signifying her next move in life. After graduating, Irving plans to enter the U.S. Army while attending Lindenwood University. “[The military] told me that if I do go into the military, I’m on track to graduate at 30 to 37, so I [plan to be in the military between ages] 30 [and] 35, just so I can have everything planned out for afterward,” Irving said.

Focused on the Future • 4 Views

WEEKLY POLL

This poll has ended.

Who is your favorite author?

Loading...

Sorry, there was an error loading this poll.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Celebrating in Victory Village during Special Olympics, junior Caitlin Brandmill and her buddy Franchesca Chevalie decorate a paper bag to hold her crafts, like necklaces and slime. Brandmill wanted to participate in the Special Olympics because she thought it was an excellent opportunity to make an impact in the Parkway community. “I loved all of it. I had so much fun getting to know Franchesca and all the kids in our group,” Brandmill said. “My favorite part was making slime, but also basketball was fun because a lot of the athletes were getting into [the activity].”
Photo of the Week - March 10
Elle Rotter, Deputy Conceptual Editor-in-Chief • March 10, 2023

NEWS
Juniors Riya Ashok and Puneeta Ganga give each other a high-five as they celebrate the Indian holiday Holi. Ganga, co-president of Indian Club, put on this event to introduce other students to the holiday and to have fun with friends. “Holi is a really fun celebration, and I believe it should be an experience that everyone can participate in,” Ganga said.
A colorful weekend
Audrey Ghosh and Achyuta Ambal • March 16, 2023

Around the globe, millions throw colored powder at each other in celebration of the Hindu festival, Holi. Although Holi is primarily celebrated...

Earlier in the year, chamber and concert girls stand in front of the crowd, ready to begin their show at Chesterfield Presbyterian Church. On Oct. 20, sophomore Gianna Lionelli and her fellow choir members gathered for their first concert of the year. “Its cool to perform on stage with other kids who are passionate about music because its a way to foster creativity,” Lionelli said.
Victorious Vocals
March 15, 2023
Culinary teacher Katie Hashley receives two haikus around her door. Student writers chose to highlight the wafting scents and spice concoctions created in the kitchen. “I love that the students chose to write haikus about our class because especially if it’s a former student, it lets me know that they really enjoyed taking the class,” Hashley said. “[The haikus] were completely true. When we bake cookies, the whole school does, in fact, know. In my mind, it’s free advertising for students to take the class. It also made me really happy because when we make cookies, it’s always a really fun day for students.”
Hoards of Haikus
March 15, 2023
14 students from Parkway West High School were nominated the Glory of Missouri awards.
Meet the glories of Missouri
March 15, 2023
Parkway West students stand with their awards at the DECA State Career Development Conference. Twelve students returned as winners of the event. “It was a great experience since I was able to meet new people and spend time with my friends away from schools. Looking back, I’m happy I joined DECA and was able to go to the state competition,” junior Max Brophy said.
DECA students come back from state victorious
March 14, 2023
FEATURES
Freshman Ella Early works to publish and display her artwork and writing, which she has practiced for years. Early learned techniques from her grandmother’s art and found her talent through writing. I remember my teachers reading my books out loud to the class and being very proud of them. I said, ‘look, guys, I wrote a book,’” Early said.
Inside her story
Esta Kamau, Staff Writer • March 13, 2023

When freshman Ella Early was in elementary school, she was often caught doodling and writing on her class notes; now, her teachers praise her...

With five languages under her belt, junior Suraiya Saroars plan to become fluent in several languages is underway. Although she is also fluent in English, Hindi, Urdu and Arabic, Saroars first language, Bangla, is the most important to her to speak fluently. It is especially important to me to be able to speak my native language, so I can speak to all my relatives properly and not have to worry about them not understanding me, Saroar said.
Proud to be a polyglot
March 10, 2023
Early graduate Mia Irving moves the tassel on her cap, signifying her next move in life. After graduating, Irving plans to enter the U.S. Army while attending Lindenwood University. “[The military] told me that if I do go into the military, I’m on track to graduate at 30 to 37, so I [plan to be in the military between ages] 30 [and] 35, just so I can have everything planned out for afterward,” Irving said.
Focused on the Future
March 8, 2023
Beyond the Basics
Beyond the Basics
March 7, 2023
Junior Charlie Robinson hits a glowing hot piece of metal with a hammer to form it into the correct shape for his hunting knife project. Robinson never took lessons from a professional, opting to work off his intuition. “It hasn’t always worked out, and sometimes I’ve had to look at how to fix whatever I had done, but most of the things I have made have just been me freestyling,” Robinson said.
Forging forward
March 6, 2023
OPINIONS
Celebrities and music artists often break the media with their perceived “problematic” actions or statements.
When do you separate the art from the artist?
Katie Wallace, Staff Writer • March 3, 2023

All too often, your favorite artist is in the news for all the wrong reasons. Whether it is alternative/indie artist Rex Orange County being...

The battle of ingratiating Black history into the mainstream has been arduous, especially with the media’s capitalization on villainizing Black history. Underneath this vilification lies a history that is abundant in culture and has impacted America more than it is typically credited with. “Representation is [a] really big [deal], and people want to do things that they can see themselves being represented in. I think that a lot of African Americans — and a lot of students in general — don’t know how rich the history of Black [people] is in America,” senior and Black Student Union president Lauren McLeod said.
The vilification of Black history is exactly why we need it
February 28, 2023
In Convergence Journalism, junior Claire Creely works on a story for the Pathfinder. The student-run journalism staff seeks to cover stories that matter to our readers.
More to the story
February 27, 2023
A woman points a camera at the viewer
Photography through a racial lens
February 23, 2023
Lawmakers in Missouri voted to update the dress code exclusively for women Jan. 11. The new bill requires women’s arms to be covered by a blazer, cardigan or knit blazer. “There’s a lot of cost to purchasing new clothes. If you must wear a long-sleeved blazer or something over a short-sleeved outfit, that is a huge cost to be considered; It requires women to change what’s already [in their wardrobe]. This bill requires female members to take an extra step because not all business-casual clothing for women is made in long sleeves,” social studies teacher Rachel Money said.
The battle between feminism and equality
February 2, 2023
PEOPLE OF WEST
“My aunt is an educator. She was education assistant superintendent in a district in Illinois. So growing up not only her but my family in general, my parents and my dad always encouraged me to do different things and seek out the best path for myself but her and education-wise, I kind of mimicked her path when it came to grad school and pursuing my doctorate. She greatly influenced me with all of that. I regret not getting involved in more like clubs when I was in high school. I played sports for the most part. In my high school, youd have to choose between one of the two. Originally, I always wanted to be in education administration. I wanted to be athletic director. When I first went to school, it was my first go. After being in school and going to grad school and seeing the job of some of the athletic directors and the amount of time they have to put in after school, for supervising activities and other things, changed my focus to the principal route. I found the principal route gives you an opportunity to have a more, more of a positive impact on a large number of students. Everybody doesnt play athletics or do activities. Everybody does go to school. So you have to figure out ways to best, you know, make students as successful as they can in this role,” Heavens said.
“I first got interested in baking when I was in third grade. My aunt is a baker and she would always come down to teach me. I started out with cookies and cupcakes then as I got older, I wanted to look more into pastry baking like strudels, croissants, and macrons. I really like the science behind it, like knowing why the ingredients react or dont react with each other. Baking just makes me happy. I like to share it with people and then its always a good gift to give to somebody or just a good way to get to know somebody if you dont know them that well. Make something for them to learn what they like,” - Haven Suzda, 9
“Everyone here at Parkway West High School keeps telling me I am famous [from a TikTok that went viral]. They [students and staff] stop me in the hallways asking for my autograph. That takes a lot to get accustomed to, but I enjoy the noticed honor. My major at the University of Texas – Austin was a clear path. I married while in College and relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas with my husband; and later, to St. Louis, Missouri. I finished my undergraduate degree at Harris Stowe University here in St. Louis and began my first Mathematics Teacher assignment at Hanley Junior High School in the University City Public Schools. My mother, Mrs. Bernice Barbara Nash Jackson, Deceased was the greatest inspiration to become a teacher. My aunt, Dr. Myrtle Elliott Hightower, and Dr. Todd Elliott, Deceased shared in that distinction. My uncle, Dr. Elliott was a Mathematics Teacher. His love of Mathematics inspired me to show an interest in the subject. I do regret not pursuing being a High School Band Director. I love playing different instruments. I began in the Band at South Oak Cliff High School, Dallas, Texas. I have pleasant thoughts of being Majorette Captain of my High School Marching Band,” - Mrs.McNeal, math
“I worked very hard in high school academically, athletically, and in extracurriculars. Having all of that come together and getting into my reach college was a pretty proud moment. All of that said, I am probably most proud of something much more simple: being nice to people. I learned compassion and empathy from my mom at a young age and the importance and power of just being nice always resonated. I had many teachers along the way [that got me into teaching]. I am thankful that I became an educator. I get to learn and grow through my job on a daily basis. I get to work with students, teachers, and parents to find ways to best support the students that are the future of our community. In those ways, my job is very fulfilling and rewarding,” - Mario Pupillo, Assistant Principal
“We have a lot of expectations now that we’re in high school; people can drive and get jobs. There are a lot more responsibilities, especially if you have younger siblings who you have to babysit. Some people have a lot of chores they have to complete on top of homework and extracurricular activities. Starting freshman year, you start thinking about college so much more. Grades now are so important. They werent as important in middle school, but now, you have to consider GPA, all your school involvement and clubs,” - Sydney Caudill, 9
Sydney Etchason
“A lesson that has stuck with me throughout my whole life is to always outwork the person next to you. Whether it’s athletics or school, work hard, and work harder than the person next to you. As an educator, I know that my job is never finished and I’ve got to continue to work harder and harder to help students. I’m most proud to be a teacher when I have a former athlete or student reach out to me and tell me about their successes. That makes me feel like a proud parent and a proud teacher. My mom always talked about when I was a little kid. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. When I got to high school I thought I wanted to be a PE or history teacher because I wanted to coach basketball. My high school basketball coach said to do something that will make you more marketable, so you’ll more likely get a job out of college. I was always really good at English, I loved reading and writing, so I just followed that passion and advice. The best compliment I’ve ever gotten is when I get letters from my students saying how much they enjoy my teaching and that I actually helped them enjoy English class. One of the reasons I wanted to become a teacher and a coach is because a lot of the time the teachers and coaches I came from weren’t always great, and I wanted to be an example of what they were not,” - Casey Holland, English
“I’m passionate about school and baseball and have faced many challenges in both. With school last semester, my science class was very difficult, I felt like I had to learn the [lessons] by myself. And with baseball, when I was in seventh grade, I sprained my elbow pitching. I felt sad that I couldn’t play, but I learned how much having an injury can suck. My dad is the most influential person to me, he has taught me to work hard in order to reach my goals in baseball, school, and life. In my freshman year, I only got one B, it felt very good because I worked hard and it paid off. [I’m motivated] to do well in school, so that I can make good money when I come out of college and retire early. Right now, Rose Hulman sounds like a good college to help me reach those goals. The school has a good engineering [program], and I could play baseball there. In the future I want to be able to relax, provide for my kids and play with my dogs, -Colin Hughes, 10
SPORTS
Now presenting, Athletes of West, a podcast featuring Longhorn athletes each session.​​ We bring you stories from the players, both on the ground and behind the scenes, covering individual accomplishments, records they set and break, endurance and fitness, sports leadership and many more. Stay tuned!!
Athletes of West: Episode 4
Raj Jaladi, Newsletter Editor • January 26, 2023

  In this episode, meet freshman Cameron Spangler and Hugo Ortbals who are playing on the varsity soccer team as freshmen. Listen...

Senior Lydia Brazier pins her opponent, sophomore Savannah Robbinson, in the first minute of their match with a half-nelson, scooping Robbinson’s head while pressing down on her chest. Brazier’s seventh season pin earned her the win against Parkway Central at the Parkway Invitational. Wrestling is not as terrifying a sport as people say it is; it gets easier as you get older. The more that I do that move, the more its instinct rather than just me trying to do it, Brazier said.
Get Ready to Wrestle
January 25, 2023
INSTAGRAM
EDITORIALS
Diet culture can have catastrophic effects on physical and mental well-being. A person’s life can often become overwhelmed with constant measurements and nutrition tracking. Teens involved in diet culture are at a higher risk of developing eating disorders and unhealthy habits.
Deadly dieting
Pathfinder Editorial Board • February 27, 2023

Disclaimer: This article mentions diet culture, mental illness and eating disorders. It is as simple as “normal” actions: a teen finishing...

A pile of Advanced Placement (AP) study books sit on a library desk. When taking AP classes, many students sacrifice other areas of their lives to keep their grades up. “Its not the fact that I am taking an AP class. I am spending more time doing the work for school than I would spend time with friends and family,” senior Noah Schell said. “It is a sacrifice I made and realized after signing up for the classes. Over the years, I have devised a system of managing my time, which sometimes means I don’t get all of the work done.”
Balancing brain power: the need to prioritize mental health over AP classes
January 19, 2023
MULTIMEDIA
Freshman Yunhao Zhao, senior Mdalala Abdeljabbar, sophomore Alysse Custard and freshman Ayaan Sajid share their name stories. Names, no matter how short or long, are essential to a person’s being; each name holds significance in culture, family and identity. To disregard a name is to disregard a human being.
What makes a name?
Addie Gleason and Elle Rotter • March 14, 2023

Mdalala Abdeljabbar  Ayaan Sajid  Yunhao Zhao  Alysse Custard Siddharth Sistla Did you actually read those names? Did you take the...

2023 Senior Send-off Map
2023 Senior Send-off Map
February 18, 2023
Who won the Pathfinder Bachelorette???
Who won the Pathfinder Bachelorette???
February 16, 2023
A&E
The fungus cordyceps lines the wall behind characters Ellie and Joel, portrayed by Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal. Both actors also appeared in the HBO show “Game of Thrones” and played characters Oberyn Martell (Pascal) and Lyanna Mormont (Ramsey). “Game of Thrones” regularly hit over 10 million viewers in its seventh season, putting Pascal and Ramsey in two of the most popular shows on HBO.
HBO's "The Last of Us" Review
Claire Creely, Staff Writer • 2 hours ago

Disclaimer: This review mentions murder and suicide and contains spoilers. Based on an apocalyptic third-person video game released in 2013,...

During Women’s History Month, people worldwide celebrate women’s contributions to history, society, culture and literature. Literature can have many impacts on how we think, how we feel and what we believe in; specifically, these works of literature have impacted society and the treatment of women.
Memoirs, movies and mementos
March 15, 2023
TWITTER

West Publications Follow

Official Twitter account of Parkway West Newspaper (Pathfinder) and Yearbook (PAWESEHI) Follow us and turn on notifications for all things Parkway West!

pwestpub
Load More
SUPPORT US
$550
$1500
Contributed
Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of Parkway West High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

SCORES AND SCHEDULES

Pathfinder

The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High
© 2023 Parkway West Pathfinder. All Rights Reserved. • 14653 Clayton Rd, Ballwin, MO 63011 • FLEX Pro WordPress Theme by SNO • Log in
Donate to Pathfinder
$550
$1500
Contributed
Our Goal

Menu
Activate Search
The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High
The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High