Students organize silent walkout for social justice
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MultimediaAthletes of West: Junior Kate Hardy -
![Blending harmonies with dynamic control, senior Spencer Rahm takes the stage as part of the jazz choir's spring performance. Jazz Coffee House took place on April 22, marking the culmination of months of preparation by West High’s musicians. “To me, [choir] is an opportunity every day to get to sing with my friends and work on our songs that we have concerts for. [Seeing] the results after working together with people is really rewarding. Jazz Coffee House concert was a reflection and a result of all the hard work we've put in the last three months,” Rahm said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DSC_0214-3-1200x800.jpg)
MultimediaBrews and grooves -
MultimediaWhat success looks like
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![During a game of cornhole, junior Aliza Schroeder celebrates with her buddy after making her bean bag through the board. Cornhole was one of many games offered in Victory Village. “We liked the activities in the Victory Village. We had a lot of fun playing the games, and she was really excited when she did well. We had fun celebrating. It’s important to be inclusive, involved [and] be excited to celebrate,” Schroeder said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/DSC_9749-1200x800.jpg)
MultimediaHeart of the games -
MultimediaAdventure awaits! A guide to outdoor pursuits & exploration -
![All eyes on him, senior Jack Mullen raises the sacred chalice of the Addams Family. Mullen’s father was his inspiration for his role as Gomez Addams, who was Wednesday Addam’s father in the show. “The most impactful part of this experience was getting closure, because this was my last show, [and] it was probably my favorite show I've done here. I wanted to do the best I could, and to reflect on my growth and experience in the program. The thing I learned is that not everything is going to be perfect. I went through a lot vocally, and so I had to protect my health, and I overcame it,” Mullen said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DSC4947-1200x798.jpg)
MultimediaA family like no other -
MultimediaAthletes of West: Freshman Eiley Minich -
MultimediaSeniors Tell All: College -
MultimediaChangemakers of West Ep.1: Sophomore Bryson Meriac -
MultimediaServing up support -
![Eyes glued to his sheet music, senior Andrew Gillies accompanies the Jazz Band as the pianist. During the annual Winter Jazz Concert, Gillies was chosen to improvise a solo during the song, “T.J. Boogie.” ¨I love concerts [because of] how the audience reacts, and just the stage lights [shining on me],¨ Gillies said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DSC_3774-1200x801.jpg)
Photo GalleriesFrom practice to performance -
Photo GalleriesRallying together: A day of school spirit -
Photo GalleriesSing it loud: West choir shows off their talent at Singer’s Choice -
![Passing out candy to her friends, sophomore Fiona Corell smiles in her spirit wear. Corell showed up to school in her Rudolph onesie so she could not only spread joy and spirit but also stay comfortable. “It was a lot of fun dressing up and spreading school spirit [because] it gives our school a chance to gain unity. It was a comfy outfit. It kept me warm all day, and it channeled the energy of Rudolph,” Corell said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image6-1200x785.jpg)
Photo GalleriesHoliday Cup: Behind the scenes -
![The senior boys dress in suits and jerseys to cheer on the Powder Puff competitors. Senior Derrien Gatchel initiated the suit trend last Powder Puff season. “The thought process was [to pretend we were dressing for] a business trip. Since we won last year, we had to do it again this year,” Gatchel said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/unnamed-56.jpg)
Photo GalleriesHalfway There! -
![Right foot in and arms wrapping around her teammates, freshman Hayden Oakley mentally prepares to race. Oakley ran in the freshman race in the Stan Nelson Invitational at the Northwest Early Childhood Center, Sept. 10. “Before [the race,] I was a little nervous because it was only the second [meet,] it was bigger, and there were a lot of people there. When we went into the huddle, that helped motivate and calm me down. [Also,] it was nice because it just made me feel more confident about the race,” Oakley said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Hayden-Oakley-900x600.jpg)
Photo GalleriesPhoto Gallery: The essence of girls cross country -
Photo GalleriesA glimpse into clubs during COVID-19 -
Photo GalleriesStudents showcase their ‘draw dropping’ artwork -
Photo GalleriesBidding farewell to the class of 2020: senior parade edition -
Photo GalleriesNo mask? No problem: here is a six step at-home mask tutorial -
PhotosProm on the Porch -
![Senior and theatre department officer Dennis McMorrow acts in last fall’s production of “Boeing Boeing.” This spring’s one-act plays were canceled due to school closures. “I think most of the people involved in the show, including the directors, were pretty sure that the show wasn’t going to be put on once they called off classes. They had been planning their one-acts for months now, and now they don’t have the chance to see their hard work pay off,” McMorrow said. “[The school cancellation] has harmed my senior year, but I would rather everyone close to me stay safe during this time, so while I don’t like that things are being canceled, I understand that it is necessary.”](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMG_7599-900x600.jpg)
PhotosA senior year cut short: seniors reflect on activities getting canceled -
PhotosOpen a door for a walk into the past -
PhotosSenior boys compete for the 2020 Mr. Longhorn crown -
PhotosWorking on their time off, a summer job profile -
![During the awards ceremony of the 2019 Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Speech and Debate tournament, seniors Luke Donovan and Kristina Humphrey await their names to be announced with their placement. Donavon and Humphrey qualified for state in the duet event and placed second overall in the tournament. “I stayed in speech and debate [for four years] because the team and people from other teams in the district are like my second family. While competition can be brutal, it’s worth it to be with the amazing people in Eastern Missouri,” Humphrey said. “Speech has made me grow as a person significantly. It has given me the opportunity to spread important messages through unique ways of conveying them.” Photo by Fatema Rehmani.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/DSC_0123-900x600.jpg)
PhotosDebate team dominates districts tournaments -
![11:56 a.m.
Conversing with classmates, sophomores Fatima Shabab and Josh Rushing participate in a speed dating activity during their AP World History class. Teacher Kristen Collins (not pictured) assigned each student a historical figure to research and portray. “Suleiman the Magnificent was mine. My favorite part of the assignment was being able to dress up like the figure,” Rushing said. “[Creative projects] are a lot more enjoyable, because you have more control over how you tackle it.”](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DSC_0010-900x600.jpg)
Photos24 hours across West High -
PhotosRomeo and Juliet Performances photo gallery -
![Dropping into the splits, senior Clayton Jensen completes the final pose of their Mr. Longhorn dance. The pep rally was the first time Jensen showcased his splits during the dance. “[The pep rally] was definitely more special. It was a feeling that I won’t be able to experience ever again,” Jensen said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/DSC_0329-900x600.jpg)
PhotosSpring Pep Rally Photo Gallery -
PhotosSenior vs. Faculty basketball game photo gallery
About the Contributors
Rachel Ellis, Staff Writer
Grade: 12
ExtraCurricular Activities: Peer Teaching, Boys Volleyball Manager, Yearbook, Volleyball, Guitar
What I like about the Pathfinder: The Pathfinder is a great way to get news and also connects students to current issues so they can become more aware of how people in our community are affected by things around us. There are a lot of different points of view and everyone can share their opinion.
How would you describe yourself: I like to be a leader, I like to listen to people, I am responsible and like to be in charge of things. I love to write and like to learn more about people and their stories.
Quote: “Live to express not to impress.”
Where do you hope to go to college: University of Arkansas or Ball State University
Macky Kavanaugh, Staff Writer
Grade: 12
Extracurriculars: hangin’ with the squad, looking at cool rocks, yoga, socializing, painting, skateboarding
What do you like about The Pathfinder? There is always coffee in the newspaper room which is rad.
How would you describe yourself? pretty chill and more or less creative
Favorite Quote: “Macky is the homie.” -Probably Someone
Where do you want to go to college? Wherever the wind takes me
Extracurriculars: hangin’ with the squad, looking at cool rocks, yoga, socializing, painting, skateboarding
What do you like about The Pathfinder? There is always coffee in the newspaper room which is rad.
How would you describe yourself? pretty chill and more or less creative
Favorite Quote: “Macky is the homie.” -Probably Someone
Where do you want to go to college? Wherever the wind takes me