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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

Helping a customer, print room assistant Gretchen Williams operates her booth at the West High Craft Fair from Oct. 25-26. This was Williams’ first time participating in the Craft Fair with her new craft shop, Gs Beaded Boutique. “People have always said, over the years, ‘you should open something.’ [I replied that] I would rather just make [my crafts as] gifts for people. I just started [the online store] up, and it's been okay. I'm always surprised [by] how many views I get and [the] people from different states buying things; somebody from Alaska bought something the other day.”

Beads of resilience

Yein Ahn, Editor-In-Chief November 12, 2025

At Parkway West, some staff members work behind the scenes, unnoticed by many. Among these individuals is print room assistant Gretchen Williams. Many students may have never met Williams, but she’s...

Focused on providing exceptional service, sophomore Darsh Mahapatra carefully cleans the door of a customer’s car. Mahapatra has always believed his customers deserve nothing less than the best. “[If] they’re trusting us with their car and our service, then I am convinced that they deserve our 100 percent effort and beyond,” Mahapatra said.

Driven to succeed

Rishi Pidikiti, Sports Editor October 14, 2025

Students in high school often feel overwhelmed by schoolwork, extracurricular activities and sports — especially those who strive to excel in all three. Although sophomores Nick Lang and Darsh Mahapatra...

Lining up in the staging area before his start time, junior Landon Aberle mentally prepares himself for the start of the Binder Lake Bash race on Aug. 7. In the minutes before his race, a pair of riders were involved in a car accident. Aberle wanted to show his support and emphasize the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) value of community. “The race was going well for me and my friend physically, but it hurt knowing that other people weren't there. That's all we cared about, and when we knew one of them was okay, we decided to keep going and finish the race for them,” Aberle said.

Trails of confidence

Aminah Hilaly and Max Chung October 3, 2025

At Parkway West, students can participate in numerous clubs and sports. However, a few of these extracurriculars aren’t school-sponsored, including the lesser-known mountain biking club.  Mountain...

Smiling at the Missouri Envirothon state competition, the Parkway West and Parkway South Envirothon team holds their award plaque. The team placed second in the state level after completing a written test and a presentation for the competition, which covered the subject of forestry. “I'm proud of the team for placing second at state. It's not an easy competition, and everyone has worked so hard this year,” sophomore Malia McLellan said.

Seeds of sustainability

Risa Cidoni, Editor-in-Chief May 6, 2025

In 1979, after growing concerns about resource depletion, pollution and lack of environmental awareness, the Pennsylvania Soil and Water Conservation Districts looked to encourage high school student involvement...