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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

Clutching the ball on a quarterback run, junior Joseph Federer hustles on the field, attempting to score a touchdown. As a child, Federer grew up watching football. “An NFL player who inspires me is [quarterback] Kyler Murray. He is a very accurate quarterback and can also make tremendous plays with his feet,” Federer said.

Drive to play

Lia Emry, Staff Writer September 27, 2022

According to junior Joseph Federer, leadership and fast thinking are two of the many traits of a successful quarterback. Since transferring from Marquette High School, the 5-foot-11 junior has thrown over...

Knees bent, freshman James Callahan lifts the ball for a fast pass during the 2021 Young Men’s National Championship in Virginia Beach. Despite his high skill level, it is difficult for Callahan to find opportunities to play with other boys. “I can’t play in any tournaments in St. Louis. To get practice with other boys, I’d have to fly out to California or Pennsylvania. You have to spend $400 to pay for the practice, and you pay for a plane ticket. We don’t even know if they’re giving us rooms, [or if] we also have to get the hotel and transportation,” Callahan said.

Sticking with it

Serena Liu, Editor-in-Chief September 26, 2022

With a tight grip on his stick, freshman James Callahan skillfully carries his ball down the stadium field. He pulls past defenders, keeping his head up to look for passes and charges towards the goal. Callahan...

Dressed in spirit gear, senior Hope Green is handed the golden football, representing her title as the Homecoming Queen. Homecoming week has always been Green’s favorite week of the year. “I didn’t tell anyone to vote for me. I’m just not that person. If I was going to be on [homecoming court], I’d want [people] to vote for me because they genuinely liked me as a person, and liked who I am. It meant a lot to know that I’ve made somewhat of an impression on people and that people appreciate me,” Green said.

ANNOUNCED: Hope Green is Homecoming queen

Elle Rotter, Deputy Conceptual Editor-in-Chief September 23, 2022

Principal John McCabe crowned senior Hope Green queen at the Homecoming Pep Assembly. Coronation also took place during the football game. There will be no court festivities at the dance. Green spent the...

Celebrating the 2021 Fall Pep Assembly, seniors Esha Franics and Maya Malhorta dress in spirit colors red, white and blue. The duo worked on planning the Homecoming assembly, parade and Powder Puff game. “I'm more in charge of the parade and the floats. Esha is more in charge of the pep assembly and Powder Puff,” senior Maya Malhorta said. “There’s a lot of things to do behind the scenes, especially picking [main] theme and planning all of the spirit day themes, but it is a lot of fun. I picked disco [for the class theme] because I think it would be the most fun. I am disappointed the teachers didn’t get rock; I was hoping they would.”

Longhorn Council shares their pride, passion and plans

Elle Rotter, Deputy Conceptual Editor-in-Chief September 23, 2022

The Longhorn Council is a team of high school students who plan activities like Homecoming, spirit week, prom, pep assemblies and other school events. The executive board is a smaller group of students...

Junior Kristen Skordos sings for her band Okay Violet’s third performance at Ballwin Sno-Cone. Skordos believed being in a band helped her develop as a person and deal with non-music related problems.  “Later in life, if I’m ever facing a challenge, it will be different than learning a song, but I’ll put myself in those shoes. In the moment, things can be so stressful, but once you’ve done it, you’ll [see how] amazing it is,” Skordos said.

Journey to Okay Violet: Junior Kristen Skordos sings for the new St. Louis band

Anna Claywell, Staff Writer September 23, 2022

A late-night summer breeze blows as junior Kristen Skordos and four others sit on a curb with Ted Drewes in hand. The ice cream freezes their palms as they chatter about the event from earlier that night:...

Checking in with the Parkway West Superfan, Activities Director Jeff Taggart talks with kids during lunch. Taggart looked forward to building connections with students and becoming a part of the school community. "[I just want] to be involved, in the cafeteria, at lunchtime, at different sporting events or activities."

‘Longhorn Country, Let’s Ride!’

Elle Rotter, Deputy Conceptual Editor-in-Chief September 20, 2022

Activities Director Jeff Taggart started the school year with an unorganized office and a smile. Taggart has had many job titles, including assistant principal, basketball coach, activities director and...

Senior Class Principal Jamaal Heavens works on his computer, preparing materials for seniors and adjusting to the school community.

Get to know Senior Class Principal Jamaal Heavens

Addie Gleason, Managing Editor-in-Chief September 15, 2022

After previous Senior Class Principal Brionne Smith announced her move to Parkway South, the search began to hire a new principal. Heavens graduated from the University of Illinois in 2002 with a Bachelor...

Principal John McCabe works at his desk after the Aug. 24 pep rally during Ac Lab. McCabe did his first substituting job as a sophomore in high school and has been an educator ever since. “I strongly believe in public education because it's a calling to serve others. That quality of serving and supporting other people is one of the things that I love the most about working in schools,” McCabe said.

Who is Principal John McCabe?

Serena Liu, Editor-in-Chief September 13, 2022

“I say to students, music is unique in that the moment after you make the music, it instantly disappears. The only thing that remains after the music is gone is the change in people from the music-making process. We are in the business of changing people and improving people,” Parrish said.

Choir teacher Brian Parrish finishes his last year at West with a perfect score

Jordan Scales, Staff Writer June 3, 2022

After 10 years at West, choir teacher Brian Parrish will be transferring to Clayton High School. In Parrish’s last year at West, he and the choirs achieved a perfect exemplary score at the 2021-2022...

Alumni Erin Eickmeier and her sister, freshman Jenna Eickmeier, pose for a family photo.

Growing up alongside a sibling with a disability

Ava Silva, CJ1 Writer June 2, 2022

Jenna grew up with an older sister with a disability called Cri du Chat Syndrome. Jenna’s family learned about Erin’s disability when the hospital ran tests after she was born. “Having her...