Sophomore Liza Tarakanova, new to playing chess, carefully strategizes her next move while playing one of her first games as part of chess club. When Tarakanova started playing chess last semester, she found the strategizing and thinking aspect of it to be most challenging part of it. “Chess helped me expand my mental capacity because it challenged me to think about the actions I took, and playing against kids at this school who have been playing chess for years really forced me to think extra carefully during matches,” Tarakanova said.
Challenges of chess
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PhotosRallying together: A day of school spirit -
PhotosSing 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)
PhotosHoliday 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)
PhotosHalfway 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)
PhotosPhoto Gallery: The essence of girls cross country -
PhotosA glimpse into clubs during COVID-19 -
PhotosStudents showcase their ‘draw dropping’ artwork -
PhotosBidding farewell to the class of 2020: senior parade edition -
PhotosNo mask? No problem: here is a six step at-home mask tutorial -
PhotosProm on the Porch -
SnapshotTired and thirsty
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SnapshotDrawing without looking -
SnapshotKitchen mater -
SnapshotCooling off -
SnapshotReady for takeoff -
SnapshotBaking with trash -
SnapshotPainting her future -
SnapshotTaking one for the team -
SnapshotVolley for victory
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Snapshot14 Seniors presented with "Glory of Missouri Award"
About the Contributor
Sarah Burnham, Staff Writer
Grade: 11
Extracurriculars: rowing
What do you like about The Pathfinder? I like how the newspaper is actually successful among the student body. Many school newspapers are pretty much disregarded by the students, but since this one is online, accessible, and has interesting stories, it is really intriguing and relevant to the students.
How would you describe yourself? Hardworking and driven. I like the satisfaction of winning and feeling successful, I am very competitive, and I like taking on a challenge and honing my abilities.
Favorite Quote: “Paper burns at 451 degrees, water boils at 212 degrees-- not 450, not 211. Those exact numbers have to be met for the paper to burn and the water to boil, just like how you have to take that one extra step to be successful”--some dude on tumblr (paraphrased and condensed)
Where do you want to go to college? I’m not totally sure, but my top choices are University of Wisconsin-Madison, Clemson University, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and The University of Alabama with Cornell University as my “reach school”.
Extracurriculars: rowing
What do you like about The Pathfinder? I like how the newspaper is actually successful among the student body. Many school newspapers are pretty much disregarded by the students, but since this one is online, accessible, and has interesting stories, it is really intriguing and relevant to the students.
How would you describe yourself? Hardworking and driven. I like the satisfaction of winning and feeling successful, I am very competitive, and I like taking on a challenge and honing my abilities.
Favorite Quote: “Paper burns at 451 degrees, water boils at 212 degrees-- not 450, not 211. Those exact numbers have to be met for the paper to burn and the water to boil, just like how you have to take that one extra step to be successful”--some dude on tumblr (paraphrased and condensed)
Where do you want to go to college? I’m not totally sure, but my top choices are University of Wisconsin-Madison, Clemson University, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and The University of Alabama with Cornell University as my “reach school”.