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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

Senior Alan Song (fourth from the left in the back row) poses for a picture with his peers at the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad Study Camp. His stay included lectures, labs and problem-solving events guided by head mentor Joseph Houck, a chemistry professor at Penn State University. "We did a bit too many labs, but despite the challenge and the immense back pain I got from working all day, it was a great experience. I got to meet these incredibly hardworking and talented students and it left me feeling inspired," Song said.

Keeping his ion the prize

Audrey Ghosh, Opinions Editor October 3, 2022

Entranced in an internet rabbit hole, 10-year-old Alan Song perused the pages of Wikipedia, exploring atomic orbitals, a chemistry topic he had recently discovered. Little did he know that seven years...

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...

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...