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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

English teacher Erin Fluchel poses with the camera she uses during sessions. Fluchel experimented with other types of photography but decided that she preferred family moments most. “[Photographing a wedding] was stressful. It was a long day that I was away from my kids. I felt like I was capturing more of the stage moments and not the spontaneous stuff that I love doing. I'm glad that I tried these things, but it wasn't for me. Again, it was less about connection and more about getting perfect things,” Fluchel said.

Snapshots of life

Addie Gleason, Managing Editor-in-Chief March 31, 2022

Looking through her camera viewfinder, English teacher Erin Fluchel waits for the right moment to capture. The camera lens follows a child splashing in a creek; the parents watch from afar. Click. The...

After a long day of walking around, Olmedilla poses in front of the Palacio Real located in the middle of Madrid. Spending her last few weeks in Madrid, Olmedilla cherished the last few weeks of summer. “We went all over Madrid that day. We went to stores, listened to music and just talked.” Olmedilla said. However, Olmedilla’s excitement to arrive in the U.S didn’t stop.

Adiós Spain, Hola St.Louis

Lia Emry, Staff Writer March 29, 2022

More than 4,407 miles away from home, junior Cecilia “Sisi” Olmedilla began a new adventure  in St. Louis, August 2021. Olmedilla was born and raised in Madrid, Spain and came to the U.S. to continue...

Dancing under the spotlight, sophomore Renata Olmos Walz (second from left) performs with American Dance Troupe for the first time on Jan. 22. She performed three shows in one day at the Chaminade Preparatory High School theater, spending 11 hours at the theater on show day. “[After a performance,] I felt tired, but I want to do it all over again because [I felt] so much adrenaline and [performing makes me] happy,” Olmos Walz said.

Forming family through dance

Emma Herrmann, Staff Writer March 17, 2022

Sophomore Renata Olmos Walz was born in Madrid, Spain, surrounded by the city's beautiful architecture and grew up enjoying many savory Spanish cuisines, such as empanadillas and cocido, with her father...

Freshman Mackenzie Silva (blue dress), Dennis Silva and their extended family pose for a group photo.

Freshman Mackenzie Silva struggles with terminal brain disease in the family

Tanvi Kulkarni, Features Editor March 11, 2022

Visiting her grandparents’ home today is a much different experience for freshman Mackenzie Silva than it was just a couple of years ago. Medical equipment has slowly migrated into the various rooms,...

Senior Maxim Rinke (middle right) stands with his transfer family, the Harms, at a St. Louis Blues hockey game. As the months roll by, the Harms’ have found that he fits into their family naturally. “I think it was a little bit awkward at first but as time goes by, he is fitting in really well, and now he feels just like my real brother,” junior Mitchell Harms said.

Senior Maxim Rinke contemplates life in the States

Achyuta Ambal, Staff Writer March 10, 2022

As the darkness of the early morning in Germany gives way to bright sunlight, senior Maxim Rinke prepares to go to the airport. The sun shines pale tendrils of light onto Rinke as he steps out of his house...

Junior Campbell Murawski prepares for her second meet of the new year. Murawski brought in her stuffed animal good luck charm, Good-Luck Chicken, for the meet against Nerinx Hall High School. “Since it was finals week, and the team was down nine swimmers, I thought it would be a good idea to bring in Good-Luck Chicken to lift the team's spirit. But, most importantly, remind everyone to have fun and take advantage of a home meet,” Murawski said.

An unusual good luck charm

Ava McLeod, CJ1 Writer March 7, 2022

The smell of chlorine filled the air as the announcer declared it was time for swimmers to approach their blocks. Junior Campbell Murawski steps on the platform and bends over—grasping the edge. Little...

ASC teacher Kristen Witt returned to school after a second week away at Cognitive FX concussion rehabilitation center in Utah. Witt graduated from in-person rehab and is back to work.

ASC teacher Kristen Witt trusted her gut, no bandage necessary

Sapir Zachary, CJ1 Writer March 4, 2022

On her daily trip home during lunch to consult with construction workers in 2010, ASC teacher Kristen Witt was T-boned by a vehicle going around a trash truck. Witt had been hit twice while turning onto...

Reenacting a plushie parody, sophomore Gabe Waltrip prepares for his next YouTube video.

The Super Sonic Guardian

Cindy Phung, Editor-in-Chief March 3, 2022

Sophomore Gabe Waltrip pants as adrenaline rushes through his body. Despite being out of breath, he continues to narrate dialogue as he runs down the hallway, juggling his tablet in one hand and a plushie...

Art teacher Ashley Drissell dances in the living room of her father’s house. Due to her parent’s interest in Latin culture, Drissell grew up with Latin dance and music. “Dance is a part of my DNA at this point. It’s just something I enjoy doing,” Drissell said.

Art teacher Ashley Drissell finds herself through Latin dance

Tiffany Ung, Staff Writer March 2, 2022

Eyes closed, art teacher Ashley Drissell sways to get a feel for the beat of the music. The crisp percussion conjures memories of her childhood, constantly being surrounded by music and dance. This exposure...

From sharing the same aisle to sharing the same passion, Megan and Madison Cauley fuel their twin flame through art. Since elementary school, the girls have grown their artistic spirit side by side and are now both looking to go into animation. “Madi is one of my biggest inspirations and motivators, there's always something we can learn from each other,” Megan said. (Photo courtesy of Madison Cauley)

Kindred spirits: Sisters Megan and Madison Cauley share an artistic passion

Makinsey Drake, Staff Writer March 1, 2022

Ever since childhood, when they worked on the same canvas, juniors Megan Cauley and Madison Cauley brought their interests and emotions to life through a shared love for art. The two continue to inspire...