During both lunches, students can donate money towards a teacher they want to be duct taped to the wall starting Monday, Jan. 22, in the cafeteria. At the end of the week, donors will duct tape the winning faculty member to the wall with as many strips of duct tape for every one dollar they donated.

“I think the [fundraisers] we’ve done in the past, like pieing teachers in the face, are fun,” english teacher Michelle Kerpash said. “They’re fun for the staff.”

Teachers Kevin John, Brian Parrish, Casey Holland and Kerpash have signed up to be in the running for this fundraiser. Principal Jeremy Mitchell and assistant principal Kate Piffel are among the administrators available for duct-taping fundraiser.

“[Nell Jaskowiak] came to me and asked me about [the duct-taping],” Kerpash said. “I think if we have the opportunity to help the students, we should.”

All the proceeds from this event will be helping the editorial board of the Pathfinder travel to New York to accept a Crown award, recognizing the online paper’s excellence.

“The staff started at 14,” adviser Debra Klevens said. “Each year the editors have continued to raise the bar and attract more like-minded people.”

In addition to the duct taping, the staff plans on holding adult education classes Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. starting Jan. 25. These classes will help adults to better understand technology.

“[The classes] will be donations-accepted,” managing editor-in-chief Betsy Wait said. “So there’s no price to get in the door, but we’re publicizing it as a fundraiser.”

The Pathfinder has been selected to receive a Crown award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) for overall excellence. Only 13 high schools in the nation are being honored.

“I think the students in the class have become more passionate,” Wait said. “Now, everyone in that class really wants to grow and wants to learn. People have realized that what they’re writing really does matter.”

The Pathfinder editorial board consists of 11 students, (five seniors, three juniors and three sophomores), hope to travel to New York find out if they won a gold or a silver Crown award at the CSPA National Convention.

“Once we go to New York there is a conference,” Klevens said. “But I also like to use it as an experiential learning opportunity by taking my editors to see former students [from West High publications] that are employed in the industry.”

While the publication has received this award, Klevens hopes that the program continues to grow and that students will take initiative with fresh ideas.

“I love when journalists come to me with and idea, and ask ‘hey, can I do that?’ New ideas attract a wider audience, and our goal is to reach as many people as possible,” Klevens said.

The Pathfinder editorial staff is hoping to go to New York and urge students and parents to participate in any of the activities they have planned.

“I think the entire publication staff is a crown jewel and if other teachers are going to sign-up [to be duct taped], I should, too,” Mitchell said. “I’ll just make sure I’m wearing long sleeves that day.”