Working together to seal a food bag, sophomores Paige Matthys-Pearce and Maura Collins contribute to the assembly line. The space was filled with eight tables with 26 to 30 people per table. “Knowing that I was working to make a difference in someone’s life and that I was surrounded by people who were all working together to achieve that goal–that’s why [I volunteered],” Matthys-Pearce said.
Classwide volunteering opportunity leaves sophomores with a deeper understanding of unity and empathy
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![Gazing up from the stage, junior Joseph McCurdy who played Peter Pan in the school play, Lost Girl, sits next to senior Juliana Rogers, who plays Wendy Darling, during a theater rehearsal. McCurdy’s passion for theater began when he observed a West High production in middle school. “I've been in the high school theater program since I was a freshman. I've always loved theater, but [what prompted me to join] was [when] I went to see [a performance here] when I was in middle school, and it was super cool,” McCurdy said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG_6535-1200x798.jpeg)
NewsIn the spotlight -
NewsNorthern lights illuminate skies over St. Louis -
![Standing tall, stacked in a precise formation, the cheer team strikes a signature pose during halftime on Sept. 12 at the varsity football game. Nearly a month after this performance, the cheer team performed at the Missouri Cheerleading Coaches Association (MCCA) regional competition on Oct. 4, 2025. “We've all come [to] work together a lot more,” sophomore Elyssa Philippi said. “We're a lot closer than we were [earlier in the season] and going to state has made us closer [in] trying to work with each other, learn [new] skills and make our team better.”](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/DSC5139-1.jpg)
NewsHands linked, hearts soaring -
![Handing out candy to excited trunk-or-treaters, President of the United Nations Children’s Fund club and junior Sara Ashok represents that group. Ashok was eager to participate in this event for multiple reasons. “I really wanted to be a part of the event because I get to help create memories for kids and spend time with my friends, spreading the things [I'm passionate about],” Ashok said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/DSC_8648-1-1200x800.jpg)
NewsA night of sweet fun -
NewsBeta Chi Pi returns: Reviving a science community at West -
![Smiling in a sea of Longhorns, Fox 2 reporter Ty Hawkins joins junior Darren Young during the morning Oct. 3 pep rally. The last time West was featured in this segment was 2011. “[I hope people see this and think] if you come to [Parkway] West, you will have the time of your life because there are so many fun activities to do that make it feel like you belong here. I was surprised so many people attended, but it was a lot of fun,” Young said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Edited2-1200x798.jpg)
NewsRise and shine -
![West High seniors and families listen as a representative of The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis, Teresa Steinkamp, leads a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) workshop. This session, held in the library, provided guidance on financial aid, scholarships and student loan options. “This event is very beneficial for any seniors who are applying to or considering applying to colleges after high school [because] the cost of college is on the rise for seniors and parents,” college and career counselor Chris Lorenz said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSC_4478-1200x778.jpg)
NewsFrom questions to clarity: Seniors and parents attend FAFSA session -
![Senior Kamori Berry walks across the field during halftime at the Homecoming football game on Sept. 12. During the pep assembly earlier that day, she was pronounced Homecoming Queen. “I thought it was nice that the crowd [started] cheering right away. I know [my friends] were really excited for me, and my family was happy because typically non-white people don't win,” Berry said.](https://pwestpathfinder.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSC7046-Enhanced-NR-1200x798.jpg)
NewsGolden traditions -
NewsPowder Puff, Powder Play -
NewsVoices of the herd
About the Contributor
Brinda Ambal, Conceptual Editor-in-Chief
Pronouns: she/her
I am a senior, and this is my fourth year on staff. The Pathfinder has helped me push myself independently, build a supportive community and grow through my mistakes. Though I write a lot of opinions, I do seek to understand the other side— my newfound knowledge always either strengthens my own position or changes my mind. I love fairy princess tea parties with my friends and 12-hour study marathons. In the rest of my time, I am Student Body co-Vice President, a part of the Scholar Bowl team and often found on or around Creve Coeur Lake with St. Louis Rowing Club. I most enjoy the small moments; a friend’s laugh, the brush of my fingers against a piece of paper and the first glimpse of daffodil yellow after a really long winter (gotta love Missouri weather).